ENHANCING STUDENTS’ READING SKILLS THROUGH PHONICS-BASED READING ACTIVITIES IN GRADE VII-B AT SMP MUHAMMADIYAH 1 TARAKAN
This study aimed to improve the reading skills of Grade VII-B students through Phonics-Based Reading Activities at SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Tarakan. The study was motivated by students' difficulties in recognizing English words, identifying letter-sound relationships, pronouncing unfamiliar words, reading fluently, and understanding simple English texts. This study employed a mixed-methods approach integrated with a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design. The participants were 18 Grade VII-B students. The research was conducted in three action cycles consisting of planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data were collected through written tests and observation sheets. Quantitative data were analyzed based on students' written test results, while qualitative data described students' participation and engagement during the learning process. The activities consisted of Read and Match, Phonics Story Time, Reader's Chain, and Read and Draw. The findings showed that the activities improved students' reading skills. The mean score increased from 55 in the pre-test to 75.56 in the post-test, an improvement of 20.56 points. The number of students achieving the minimum mastery criterion increased from 6 students (33.3%) to 13 students (72.2%). Observation results also showed increased participation and engagement. In the final meeting, 16 students actively participated, and the students' activity score reached 90, categorized as Very Good. Therefore, Phonics-Based Reading Activities contributed positively to improving students' reading skills and encouraging active participation in English reading activities