Reading the World of Children: An In-Depth Analysis of the Literacy Skills of Fifth Grade Elementary Students

Abstrak

This study aims to analyze the reading literacy skills of fifth-grade elementary school students and to identify the urgency, proficiency level, and influencing factors. The research employed a qualitative descriptive method conducted at Kebayoran Lama Utara 09 Public Elementary School. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, with the research subjects being fifth-grade students. The results indicate that students’ reading literacy skills are generally low, particularly in understanding texts that require higher-order thinking skills (HOTS). Although teachers are aware of the importance of literacy, most students experience difficulties in comprehending reading materials. The factors affecting literacy skills are divided into two categories: internal and external. Internal factors include low reading interest and motivation, as students tend to prefer non-academic reading materials such as comics. External factors involve limited supporting facilities, such as underutilized reading corners and libraries. These findings highlight the need for efforts to improve literacy through contextual and varied learning approaches, as well as the provision of engaging reading facilities and materials. This study provides significant implications for developing strategies and programs to enhance reading literacy in elementary schools.