Project IBOOK (Illustrated Book) for Reading Skills and Comprehension

Abstract: This action research examines "Project IBOOK" (Illustrated Book) as an intervention to enhance reading comprehension among 15 Grade VI pupils at Pandanon Silos Elementary School, Murcia, Philippines. Reading comprehension is critical for students’ academic success, yet many struggle with this skill. Project IBOOK was designed to support these learners by providing storybooks with engaging illustrations that assist in understanding content. Conducted from September 2023 to February 2024, the project involved pre- and post-assessments to measure comprehension improvement. The findings showed a marked improvement in reading comprehension scores, with mean scores increasing from poor to outstanding after using IBOOK. Qualitative observations and interviews revealed additional benefits, such as increased enjoyment and confidence in reading. Students engaged more actively and demonstrated improved word recognition, comprehension, and story recall, attributing their success to the visual aids that helped contextualize each story. This study concludes that illustrated books can significantly support struggling readers by making reading materials more accessible and engaging. Recommendations include expanding Project IBOOK to other schools and providing teacher training to create similar instructional tools. This approach aligns with the Department of Education’s literacy goals, offering a practical method to strengthen reading skills across educational settings. Keywords: Contextualized, Project Illustrated Book, Reading Comprehension