Child Development Research Articles

Associations between maternal depression trajectories and infant neurodevelopment at eight months.

Maternal depression is an increasingly recognized risk factor of child neurodevelopment difficulties. Few studies have investigated the association between the severity and duration of maternal depression and child development. We aimed to identify whether trajectories of maternal depressive symptoms from pregnancy to six months postpartum are associated with child development at eight months. We included 988 mother-child pairs who participated in Shenzhen Birth Cohort Study, which was conducted in Shenzhen Nanshan Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of China. Maternal depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at late pregnancy, 1, 3 and 6months postpartum. Child emotional and behavioral development were assessed by Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ-se) and Ages and Stages Questionnaires-Third Edition (ASQ-3) at aged 8months. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify the trajectories of maternal depressive symptoms. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were conducted to explore the association between the depressive symptoms trajectories and child development. Four trajectories of maternal depressive symptoms were identified by LPA: low (n=597), subclinical (n=91), moderately low and increasing (n=246) and persistently high (54). Multivariable regression model showed that children of mothers with persistently high depressive symptoms were more likely to have lower scores in three ASQ-3 domains: fine motor (beta [95%C]): -2.30 [-4.32, -0.29], problem-solving (-3.72 [-5.81, -1.62]) and personal-social motor (-2.56 [-4.98, -0.15]), but higher ASQ-se scores (9.49 [5.09, 13.9]). Compared to children of mothers with low depressive symptoms, subclinical depressive symptoms were prediposed to having lower scores in two ASQ-3 domains: communication motor (-2.48 [-4.32, -0.64]) and gross motor (-2.35 [-4.2,-0.51]) and lower ASQ-se scores(4.86 [2.54, 7.18]). Higher levels of maternal depression symptoms were associated with increased risk of child developmental delay, highlighting the importance of early intervention and addressing maternal depression from pregnancy through early childhood.

Working memory training in students with dyslexia: Additional effects to reading and spelling remediation not likely

BackgroundPoor decoding and spelling (literacy) skills have been associated with weak working memory. Aims. The aim of this study was to elucidate the contribution of working memory to literacy progress in students with dyslexia. It has been suggested that working memory can be enhanced by training, which in turn may have a positive effect on reading and spelling abilities (e.g., Peijnenborg et al., 2023). Methods and ProceduresParticipants consisted of a specific group of children with dyslexia and weak working memory skills (n = 62). The effect of Cogmed training on decoding and spelling progress during remediation was investigated using a randomized controlled trial with three research groups (experimental: Cogmed training; active control: fixed computerized training; passive control group). Outcomes and resultsFindings revealed that the Cogmed training enhanced working memory to a rather small extent and that no effects of the Cogmed training on literacy progress occurred over and above the reading and spelling remediation program. Conclusions and implicationsMost likely, Cogmed training does not contribute to literacy development in children with dyslexia. The null results are important information for teachers of this specific group of students, albeit inevitably small samples in intervention studies applied to niche populations increase the risk of type-II errors. Therefore, replication studies are needed.

Nutritional Requirements in Pregnancy and Lactation

Optimal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is vital for the health of the mother and fetus. Nutritional needs should begin in the preconception period, as the fetus depends on the placenta for essential nutrients required for growth and development. A balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods—such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, legumes, fish, and lean meats—is essential to meet caloric needs during pregnancy. Assessment of maternal health, including dietary history and micronutrient status, is critical to identify potential risks and ensure adequate nutrition. The increased need for micronutrients must be met to prevent complications and fetal growth.Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding is recommended throughout the first year and beyond. During pregnancy and lactation, calorie intake should be increased by focusing on protein and healthy fats. The composition of breast milk is adapted during the breastfeeding period, so that it can provide the necessary nutrients for the growth of the infant. Personalized nutrition plans, developed in consultation with health care professionals, are critical to optimizing maternal and infant health outcomes. This manuscript supports the importance of comprehensive nutritional strategies during pregnancy and lactation to reduce risks and support healthy growth and development of mother and child.

OVERVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUNTING CHILDREN AGED 2-5 YEARS IN GEDOG VILLAGE

Stunting is a growth and development problem that has an impact on intellectual abilities, decreased economic productivity and the risk of metabolic diseases which will affect the development of children in the future. The purpose of this study was to determine the development of stunted children aged 2-5 years in Gedog Village. This research design uses descriptive quantitative with a sample size of 42 stunted children aged 2-5 years who meet the inclusion criteria and are selected using purposive sampling method. Data collection was carried out on February 7-29, 2024 at each integrated healthcare center in Gedog Village. Instruments in the study using the Denver Development Screening Test I and results of the DDST assessment are normal, abnormal, suspect, and unstable. The data obtained is presented in the form of diagrams and narrated. The results of this study were gross motor development 75% scored normal and 25% scored advanced, fine motor development 69% of children were normal, 22% delay and 8% caution, language development 53% normal, 39% caution and 8% delay, personal social development 47% normal, 47% delay and 6% caution and overall normal results 53%, Abnormal 19% and suspect 28%. From these results, it is found that stunting is not the main cause of developmental abnormalities in children. Parenting and the environment are also one of the factors that make children reach their developmental stage.

Screening for Developmental Delays in Pediatric Cochlea Implant Candidates and Recipients.

Conduct a pilot clinical improvement project to effectively screen children with hearing loss for developmental delays. Children with hearing loss and cochlear implants (CIs) are at risk for additional developmental delays; however, screening to aid in early identification and referral for developmental delays is not routinely performed at CI centers. It is important to consider all aspects of child development to maximize CI outcomes and access to language. Caregivers of 31 children completed the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and the Sensory Profile-2 (SP2), which are standardized questionnaires that assess developmental milestones in areas of communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, personal-social, and sensory integration. Participants were prospectively evaluated at a CI center in a tertiary medical center. Participants included children, aged ≤5 years old with bilateral hearing loss who use CIs or who were CI candidates, and their families. Scores on ASQ and SP2 questionnaires. Thirty-one children were screened, and approximately 40 to 50% screened positive for risk of developmental delay in areas excluding communication and received referrals for evaluations in occupational therapy (n = 16; 51.6%), physical therapy (n = 13; 41.9%), and developmental pediatrics (n = 13; 41.9%). Of children referred and seen for evaluations, six were diagnosed with developmental delays in at least one developmental area beyond the communication domains. Routine screening in children with significant hearing loss can successfully detect developmental delays, which may go unnoticed. This proactive approach enables timely and comprehensive treatment for developmental delays beyond those solely related to communication.

A literature review on the benefits of wordless picture books for children’s development.

Wordless picture books contain no printed text, a narrative is conveyed solely through illustrations. Professionals are not always convinced of the usefulness of wordless picture books, and an overview of the benefits or disadvantages of these books is also lacking. The aims of this review study were to 1) investigate the benefits and/or disadvantages of wordless picture books for children’s development, and 2) provide an overview of the characteristics of research on using wordless picture books with children. A systematic search yielded 35 peer-reviewed articles on the use of wordless picture books with children (aged 0 to 12). These articles show that wordless books may benefit children’s speech and language development and their psychosocial development. Wordless books may also have a positive impact on children’s environment, which may in turn benefit child development. For example, adults seem to interact with wordless picture books in such a way that they provide the right preconditions for children’s language development. Research on wordless picture books is characterised by small-scale studies with young English-speaking children. Studies with larger and other participant groups are needed. Nevertheless, this study provides evidence that wordless picture books are a promising tool for benefiting children's development.

In vitro fertilization and long-term child health and development: nationwide birth cohort study in Japan

AbstractThe aim of this study is to compare long-term health outcomes between IVF-conceived children and non-IVF-conceived children in Japan, in the context of strong recommendation for single embryo transfer. Using data from a nationwide birth cohort linked with perinatal database, this study analyzed 2140 children born in Japan in May 2010. It compared child health and development outcomes up to 9 years of age between IVF-conceived and non-IVF-conceived children (binary exposure). A Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate the risk ratios for the association between IVF and various long-term child health and developmental outcomes. After adjusting for confounding factors, no significant differences were observed between IVF-conceived and naturally conceived children for most outcomes, including hospitalization, obesity, and developmental milestones. IVF-conceived children showed a slightly lower risk of attention problems at 8 years (adjusted Risk Ratio [aRR]: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.53–1.00). In subgroup analyses, IVF-conceived term children and singletons demonstrated reduced risk of cognitive delays at 5.5 years (aRR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10–0.96 and aRR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14–0.98, respectively).Conclusion: In this Japanese cohort, IVF conception was not associated with adverse long-term health or developmental outcomes. These findings provide reassurance about the safety of IVF, particularly in the context of single embryo transfer policies. Further research is needed to explore specific IVF protocols and subgroups. What is known:• Long-term health and developmental outcomes of IVF-conceived children remain inconsistent across studies and populations, despite the widespread use of this technology. What is new:• A nationwide population-based cohort study in Japan did not show adverse effects of IVF on long-term child health and development through age 9.• These findings provide reassurance about the safety of IVF, while indicating the need for careful monitoring in specific subgroups such as preterm and multiple births.

Children’s and Adolescents’ Use of Nature During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Very Green Country

Play, physical activity, and social interaction with other children in nature are important for healthy and social development in childhood and adolescence. The extent to which lockdown policies during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the way children engaged in outdoor activities remains unclear, especially in a country with free access to abundant nature during the pandemic. We performed a national survey of parents (n = 1002) in Norway in January 2021 to uncover changes in outdoor play for children (6–12 years, n = 396) and adolescents (13–19 years, n = 606) compared with the situation before the lockdown on 12 March 2020. Ten months after the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, 38% of the parents reported that their children played and spent time outside ‘less than usual’ in their neighborhood, compared with 15% who reported ‘more than usual’ time spent outside. Parents indicated that the children’s play activities were highly organized and institutionalized, and when the activities ceased, their children had less motivation to spend time outdoors and tended to engage more in screen-based activities indoors. We conclude that while children and adolescents had many opportunities to be outdoors in natural settings during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, they did so much less than before the lockdown.

Gambaran Faktor Risiko Kejadian Stunting pada Ibu dengan Anak Balita Stunting di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Baregbeg

Stunting is one of the main nutritional issues that Indonesian toddlers face. The prevalence of stunting in toddlers (children under five years old) was 30.8% in 2018, according to the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) results. This dropped to 27.67% in 2019 (Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI), 2019), and then increased to 24.4% in 2021 (SSGI, 2021). The purpose of this study is to identify the risk factors for stunting in women in the Ciamis Regency working area of the Baregbeg Community Health Center who have stunted children under five in 2024. Descriptive research using a cross-sectional design was the methodology employed. Using a questionnaire, the study's population composed of all the mothers of 36 kids with stunting in the Baregbeg Health Center's working area. The majority of stunted toddlers had a history of exclusive breastfeeding (80.56%), middle class mothers in a middle educational level (55.56%), low parental income (86.11%), low birth weight babies (86.11%), infectious diarrheal diseases (86.11%), poor diet (77.78%), and an unvarried diet (88.88%), based to the research's results. To help to prevent potential problems with the child's growth and development, it is advised that moms of stunted children give their children greater care.

Surgery and the first 8000 days of life: a review

Abstract The first 8000 days of life, from birth to adulthood, encompasses critical phases that shape a child's health and development. While global health efforts have focused on the first 1000 days, the next 7000 days (ages 2–21) are equally vital, especially concerning the unmet burden of surgical conditions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Approximately 1.7 billion children globally lack access to essential surgical care, with LMICs accounting for 85% of these unmet needs. Common surgical conditions, including congenital anomalies, injuries, infections, and pediatric cancers, often go untreated, contributing to significant mortality and disability. Despite the substantial need, LMICs face severe workforce and infrastructure shortages, with most pediatric surgical conditions requiring specialized skills, equipment, and tailored healthcare systems. Economic analyses have shown that pediatric surgical interventions are cost-effective, with substantial societal benefits. Expanding surgical care for children in LMICs demands investments in workforce training, infrastructure, and health systems integration, complemented by innovative funding and equitable global partnerships. Prioritizing surgical care within national health policies and scaling up children's surgery through initiatives like the Optimal Resources for Children's Surgical Care can improve health outcomes, align with Sustainable Development Goals, and foster equity in global health. Addressing the surgical care gap in LMICs will reduce preventable mortality, enhance quality of life, and drive sustainable growth, emphasizing surgery as an essential component of universal health coverage for children.

The Future Healthy Countdown 2030 consensus statement: core policy actions and measures to achieve improvements in the health and wellbeing of children, young people and future generations.

This consensus statement recommends eight high-level trackable policy actions most likely to significantly improve health and wellbeing for children and young people by 2030. These policy actions include an overarching policy action and span seven interconnected domains that need to be adequately resourced for every young person to thrive: Material basics; Valued, loved and safe; Positive sense of identity and culture; Learning and employment pathways; Healthy; Participating; and Environments and sustainable futures. Provide financial support to invest in families with young children and address poverty and material deprivation in the first 2000 days of life. Establish a national investment fund to provide sustained, culturally relevant, maternal and child health and development home visiting services for the first 2000 days of life for all children facing structural disadvantage and/or adversity. Implement a dedicated funding model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled early years services across the country to ensure these services are fully resourced to provide quality early learning and integrated services grounded in culture and community. Properly fund public schools, starting by providing full and accountable Schooling Resource Standard funding for all schools, with immediate effect for schools in communities facing structural disadvantage. Establish legislation and regulation to protect children and young people aged under 18 years from the marketing of unhealthy and harmful products. Amend the electoral act to extend the compulsory voting age to 16 years. Legislate an immediate end to all new fossil fuel projects in Australia. Establish a federal Future Generations Commission with legislated powers to protect the interests of future generations. Together, these achievable evidence-based policies would significantly improve children and young people's health and wellbeing by 2030, build a strong foundation for future generations, and provide co-benefits for all generations and society.

A Call to Action for Global Solutions to Air Quality Crisis: Urgent Actions and Innovative Solutions Needed

ABSTRACT Air pollution, specifically smog, has become a prevalent concern worldwide due to its association with various health risks including stroke, heart disease, lung disease, lower respiratory disorders, and cancer. The excessive use of fossil fuels and the rapidly increasing population have led to the rise in air pollution, which also increases the risk of other ailments such as diabetes and negatively impacts cognitive development in children as well as mental health. According to the World Health Organization, almost 7 million people die each year due to air pollution. According to the recent reports by the Swiss organization (IQAir) on October 22nd, 2024, accessed at (https://www.iqair.com) Lahore in Pakistan, Delhi in India, Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Milano in Italy, Belgrade in Serbia, Jakarta in Indonesia and Karachi in Pakistan have been identified as the top seven cities with the highest US Air Quality Index (AQI). The rising levels of air pollution pose significant health risks globally, necessitating immediate action from governments and communities. Implementing effective policies, investing in clean technologies, and fostering international collaboration are essential to mitigate the impacts of air quality deterioration on public health and the environment.

“Learning to ‘waltz’ rather than ‘wrestle’ … ” : a novel, ultra-brief intervention supporting early child–caregiver relationships

ABSTRACT Introduction The quality of the early child–caregiver relationship plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s development. In response to the lack of early intervention provisions for 2–5 year olds, the Leeds Infant Mental Health Service increased their offer to support children up to their fifth birthday (and their caregivers), where relational difficulties impact upon the child’s emotional wellbeing. Aims This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the direct therapeutic work (named ‘Understanding Your Toddler’; UYT), in promoting the child–caregiver relationship. Method Nineteen families were accepted for UYT, where there was motivation and emotional availability to consider change within the relationship. Thirteen families engaged in the work. The UYT offer adopted a three session, home-visiting model, drawing upon several therapeutic approaches. A two-phased mixed methods design was adopted. Phase I analysed quantitative changes within the relationship. Phase II qualitatively evaluated families and professionals’ experiences of UYT. Results Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed rank analyses illustrated significant differences pre and post UYT in caregiver: goals, confidence, perceptions and feelings of irritation. No significant differences were found in caregiver feelings of warmth. Themes from interviews suggested that the strengths-based approach was valued, and that video work supported caregivers to ‘see the world from their (toddlers’) point of view’. Conclusion This evaluation contributes to the limited evidence evaluating the efficacy of child–caregiver interventions in practice. Despite the small sample, the UYT model provides a helpful framework (applicable to clinical contexts) to foster early relationships and emotional development of young children.

The Effect of a Sibling Shared Reading Intervention on the Reading Development of Early School-Aged Children in Rural China

ABSTRACT Research Findings: The home literacy environment provides important support for the reading development of preschool and early school-age children; however, existing research has mainly focused on the role of parents. The current study examines the effect of a 10-week, sibling-shared reading intervention on the reading development of lower-grade primary school children in rural China. Sixty children in grades 1–2 from multi-child families were recruited from a rural primary school and randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups (30 in each group). Results showed that although the two groups of children were well matched on various background characteristics and reading measures at baseline, immediately after the intervention, children in the Sibling Shared Reading intervention group not only performed significantly better than the control group on intervention-based character recognition but also showed significantly higher performance on reading comprehension beyond the intervention materials than the control group. At the six-month follow-up test, the intervention group also performed significantly better than the control group in reading comprehension. The findings of the present study extend the home literacy model and suggest the role of siblings in children’ reading development. Practice or Policy: We recommend that, in addition to parents, reading enrichment activities among siblings are an important and effective strategy for promoting children’s reading development in multi-child families.

Development and Implementation of the “Keluarga Carade” App: Optimising Information Technology-Based Stunting Surveys to Support Public Health Efforts

Stunting represents a persistent malnutrition issue that impedes children's physical and cognitive development, with potentially lasting impacts throughout their lives. This study aims to develop and implement the Keluarga Carade app, a real-time information technology-based stunting survey system intended to assist surveyors in collecting public health data in Jeneponto Regency. The app was constructed using the Laravel framework and MySQL for data storage, offering features such as family data management, prospective bride data management, questionnaire data input, survey result evaluation, and coordinate point visualization. The study adopted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to evaluate user acceptance, focusing on four variables: Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Conditions (FC). Data collection was carried out using a Likert-scale questionnaire with a sample of 32 public health surveyors selected through purposive sampling, and the data were subsequently analysed for validity, reliability, and correlation. The findings confirmed the validity and reliability of all variables, with strong positive correlations observed, highlighting the app’s ease of use, functionality, and effectiveness in supporting stunting survey activities. The Keluarga Carade app demonstrates the potential to optimise stunting monitoring by facilitating efficient data collection and analysis, thus supporting public health efforts to combat stunting. Future research may explore the app’s long-term impact on reducing stunting rates and its integration within broader public health frameworks.

Peningkatan Interaktif Belajar melalui Program Rabu Gembira Bagi Siswa Kelas 1-6 SD di Kampung Rama

The Rabu Gembira program at GKSI Kampung Rama is an initiative designed to support the character development and spirituality of children through a series of creative and educational activities. With a comprehensive approach, this program not only teaches Christian values but also equips children with life skills and a high level of social awareness. Activities including crafts, spiritual discussions, and social interactions aim to shape individuals who are character-driven and capable of making a positive impact in their communities. Through this experience, children learn to embody values of truth, enhance their self-confidence, and develop social and emotional skills. The outcomes of this program are expected to prepare the younger generation to face the challenges of the times with confidence and strong personal qualities. This discussion provides an in-depth understanding of the goals, benefits, and positive impacts of the Rabu Gembira program in supporting the holistic development of children.

Micronutrients, especially zinc, are essential for the proper growth and development of children

Micronutrients, especially zinc, are essential for the proper growth and development of children

Effectiveness of History and Cultures Curriculum for Students’ Parents and Preschool Teachers

This research explores the critical need to integrate history and culture into preschool education, an area often overlooked in educational policy discussions. Drawing from the insights of Chinese history and culture curriculum in primary, secondary, and university levels, this study addresses the deficiencies in preschool education reform and policy. The study emphasizes the value of incorporating historical and cultural by Lee, W. O., Hao, N., & Zhou, Q. (2020), highlighting aspects such as cultivating aesthetic taste, showcasing cultural characteristics, and fostering cultural inheritance. The paper delves into the significance of history and culture curriculum in preschool education, focusing on children's development, patriotism, social fairness and justice, cultural inheritance, and unity between heaven and man for a harmonious life. Based on Piaget's child development theory and Confucianism's foundational principles, it elucidates the importance of aligning preschool education with cultural and historical contexts. Given preschool children's limited understanding and cognitive abilities regarding history and culture, the study proposes methods for integrating these themes into pre-education. It advocates for policy reforms in preschool education, emphasizing curriculum guidelines that reflect philosophical, psychological, pedagogical, sociological, and anthropological dimensions. Through a case study at Grace School in Yichun City, Heilongjiang Province, China, employing survey methods and case analysis, the research outlines goals for preschool history and culture curriculum. It incorporates Confucian concepts such as "harmony without diversity" and "endless life" to guide curriculum design and implementation, addressing evaluation criteria and curriculum content (Bahtilla, M., & Xu, H. 2021). In conclusion, the paper stresses the necessity of enhancing theoretical research levels in preschool education history and culture curriculum, advocating for improved training and implementation strategies. It envisions a collaborative effort among families, schools, and communities to foster continuous cultural learning and development among children.

Association between overweight or obesity and vitamin D status in preschool children: an epidemiological survey in Beijing, China, 2021-2023.

Previous studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for obesity in children and adolescents, but most focus on school-age children and adolescents, with little attention paid preschoolers. To explore the relationship between overweight or obesity in the context of vitamin D intake among preschool children in Beijing, and analyze the correlation. A total of 51,640 preschoolers (26,775 boys; 24,865 girls), aged 1-6 years, were recruited for physical examination. Overweight or obesity was defined according to the World Health Organization Child Growth and Development Standards (2006 edition). Serum 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D levels were determined using standardized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and vitamin D status was evaluated based on the Practice Guide on Clinical Issues Related to Vitamin D Nutrition in Chinese Children (2022). No significant change was observed in the incidence of overweight (7.72, 7.51, and 7.24 %) or obesity (2.75, 2.63, and 2.40 %) from 2021 to 2023. Among boys, 7.3 % were overweight and 2.8 % were obese. Among girls, 7.6 % were overweight and 2.3 % were obese. Vitamin D deficiency (2.10, 1.70, and 1.01 %) and insufficiency rate (24.09, 18.42, and 15.44 %) showed a decreasing trend. Deficiency or insufficiency was most common in children aged 36-59months, and serum 25- (OH) vitamin D levels were significantly lower in winter compared to other seasons, with the highest levels in summer. Time spent outdoors was significantly less among children with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, and preschoolers who spent more than 2.94 h/day had higher serum vitamin D level. Serum 25- (OH) vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), with overweight or obesity preschoolers showing significantly lower than their normal weight group. After adjusting for age, gender and season, family economic status, guardian educational level and time spent outdoors, the odds of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in overweight or obesity in preschoolers were 1.025 (95 % Cl: 1.002-1.174), 1.218 (95 % Cl: 1.099-1.708), respectively. From 2021 to 2023, there was no significant change in the incidence of overweight or obesity among preschool children in Beijing. Furthermore, the rate of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency decreased year by year. Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency associates with factors such as age, season of the year, and time spent outdoors, and there is an association between overweight or obesity and vitamin D status among preschoolers.

Reading Skills Enhancement of Secondary Learners Amid Pandemic: Narrative Exposition of English Teachers in Focus

This study explored the expositions of English teachers in enhancing the reading skills of secondary learners amid the pandemic, particularly in Davao del Sur division, there were ten (10) English teachers who participated in the study. This study made use of a phenomenological approach to extract the ideas of the participants. The virtual in-depth interview was employed to gather some information as regards to their respective experiences as they implement school-based programs on the reading skills enhancement of secondary learners amid the pandemic. Using the thematic analysis, the following themes emerged: interrupted face-to-face reading program implementation, deteriorating reading abilities during the pandemic, and stalled parents' involvement in the reading development of children. The coping mechanisms of the English teachers in enhancing the reading skills of secondary learners were establishing a reading environment, strengthening parents' involvement in the reading program, and the use of technology-related reading lessons. The insights drawn from the findings of the study were: Upskilling and reskilling of teachers in enhancing the reading skills of learners, and Plan reading programs appropriate for remote learners. They may continuously be innovative in designing reading programs appropriate for every modality preferred by the learners. The teachers may continue upskilling themselves to address the gaps of every learner in the school that needed attention in terms of reading literacy. Attending webinars is an avenue to enhance their competency in being an effective reading teacher.