Unlocking Literacy: The Role of Reading and Writing Skills in Shaping Elementary Learners’ Development

This study examined the reported levels of reading skills, writing skills, academic success, and challenges in literacy development among Grade 5 and Grade 6 learners. The study was conducted in selected public elementary schools in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat during the School Year 2025–2026. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed. The respondents were 56 learners selected through proportionate sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed 40-item questionnaire covering reading skills (comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency); writing skills (syntax, grammar, and morphology); academic success; and challenges in reading and writing. The instrument obtained a mean validity score of 4.36 and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.762, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that learners reported a very high level of reading skills (M = 4.40) and writing skills (M = 4.51). Academic success was reported as Very Satisfactory (M = 4.50), while challenges in developing literacy skills were reported as Challenged (M = 3.71). The correlation analysis showed a negligible positive relationship between reading skills and academic success (r = 0.119) and a negligible negative relationship between writing skills and academic success (r = -0.097). Neither relationship was statistically significant at the 0.05 level. The findings suggest that although learners reported high levels of reading and writing skills, these skills alone were not significantly related to their reported academic success. Other factors may also contribute to learners’ academic development.