The Teaching of Literature as a Tool for the Development of Literacy Skills in Wukari

This quasi-experimental study investigated the effectiveness of using literature to teach literacy skills to pupils at the Central Primary School, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. A sample of 330 pupils in primary three and four participated in a 6-week long, literature-based literacy intervention. Pre- and post-intervention tests were used to measure phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Regression analysis was used to compare pre-post gains in both classes. Results showed significant improvements in the post-intervention scores. The findings support the use of literature as an effective tool to teach literacy in primary schools in Nigeria. It also has implications for educators, curriculum designers, policy makers and future researchers.