A TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE READING SKILLS 

                            Second language reading of children in Tamil medium primary schools is sometimes an uphill task. But to a teacher it gives more opportunities to plan and execute some novel activities and innovative techniques to promote the aforementioned skills.I am using a few techniques to develope their reading skills.For years we are drawing pictuers for vividness of the content and we know that the colourful presentation attracts children. Here too the same thing but  with a little difference I am creating their interest.
                             At first, the teacher draws some pictures related to the lesson and starts conversing with the creatures through the students.That is, the selected students are asked and practised to act as the creatures.Then follows an open discussion about the pictures. And the students are asked to imagine and produce a small story or a situation for the pictures.While doing all these things, bilingual talk is allowed there and importatant words are written on the blackboared by the teacher.
                             Then only the teacher introduces the lesson formally. On seeing the lesson unit written on the blackboard,the students feel that there are so many familiar words that they were already used by them in class  discussions with the teacher and small groups.The usage of colour pieces of chalk is definitely a motivating factor. The students too are invited to draw on the blackboard.Then they feel so happy.The teacher here carefully channelize and help them to read the given passages.
                              Then the flash cards with pictures are distributed and they beautifully read the sentences in them in an amazing level.But the teacher's guidance and motivation are needed throughout the reading time.Gradually they learn the new words and develop their reading habits and skills.