Strengthening Interactive Reading Corner In an Effort to Improve Basic Literacy Skills of Grade 3 Students at SD Negeri 2 Kayuambon

Abstract

School libraries play an important role in improving learners' basic literacy in primary schools. With the strengthening of interactive reading corners, libraries can provide a supportive environment for interesting and fun reading activities for learners. Interactive reading corners offer a diverse collection of books that match learners' interests and needs, and integrate various literacy activities, such as storytelling and educational film screenings using technology. Through this approach, learners are encouraged to be actively involved in the learning process, effectively improving their motivation and basic literacy skills. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of the interactive reading corner programme in improving grade 3 learners' basic literacy skills at SD Negeri 2 Kayuambon. Using a qualitative approach and descriptive methods, the study involved 38 learners to observe their interest in reading, engagement in the storytelling programme and utilisation of smartboard technology. The results showed that although challenges such as low interest in reading and learners' difficulty focusing became obstacles, the library's efforts in updating the reading collection and creating an interesting learning atmosphere had a positive impact. The number of visits to the interactive reading corner increased by 15%, including the participation of students who were previously less interested in reading. In addition, the storytelling programme that was implemented showed challenges in increasing student engagement, but the use of smartboards as learning aids attracted the attention of 90% of learners. Thus, innovative and collaborative strategies between teachers and librarians are needed to optimise the development of basic literacy skills, so as to support learners' future academic achievements.