CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND PRESCHOOLERS' READING ACTIVITIES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRES

Classroom management plays a critical role in shaping preschoolers’ engagement during reading activities. Promoting effective reading activities remains a major concern for caregivers not only in Nigeria but internationally. This study therefore examined classroom management and preschoolers’ reading activities in Early Childhood Centres in Rivers East Senatorial District, Rivers State. Three specific objectives, three research questions, and three null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a correlational research design. A population of 21,981 preschoolers across 280 public Early Childhood Centres was considered, while a sample of 1,099 preschoolers from 14 centres, representing 5% of the population, was selected using multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a questionnaire and Checklist. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to answer the research questions and test the null hypotheses at 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed significant positive relationships between stating clear rules, use of discipline, sitting arrangement, and preschoolers’ reading activities. The study concluded that effective classroom management enhances preschoolers’ engagement and performance in reading activities. Based on this conclusion, it was recommended, among others, that caregivers should present clear rules, implement supportive discipline, and arrange classroom seating to promote active participation in reading activities.