Learners with a poor literacy foundation often struggle throughout their academic journey. Literacy, the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively, is the backbone of education. When students lack this essential skill, the effects ripple across every subject area, affecting not only their academic performance but also their self-esteem, motivation, and future prospects.
In the early years of education, especially in the lower primary levels, there is a strong emphasis on helping learners acquire basic literacy skills – recognising letters, forming words, understanding sounds, and constructing simple sentences. However, when these foundational skills are not mastered, learners enter upper grades ill-equipped to cope with increasing academic demands. The curriculum assumes that by a certain level, learners have transitioned from learning to read to reading to learn. When this transition fails, students begin to fall behind, often quietly and gradually, until their struggles are too significant to ignore.
A student with poor reading skills faces immediate challenges. They struggle to comprehend instructions, which can lead to confusion even in tasks they could otherwise handle. In subjects like mathematics, word problems become daunting because the difficulty lies not in computation but in understanding what is being asked. In science, social studies, and other subjects, reading comprehension is vital for interpreting content. Learners who read slowly or with limited understanding struggle to keep up with the lesson’s pace, and this disadvantage compounds over time. They miss key concepts, cannot revise effectively, and often lose interest altogether.
Writing is another significant hurdle. Learners who cannot structure sentences, use proper punctuation, or spell accurately are unable to express their thoughts clearly. In exams, this becomes a major issue. Even when they understand a concept, their poor writing skills may prevent them from demonstrating that understanding. Their responses are often vague, unstructured, and grammatically flawed. Examiners are left guessing what the learner intended to say, which ultimately results in low marks. Furthermore, in a classroom setting where assessment is continuous and varied, such learners find it challenging to perform in assignments, essays, and projects, compounding their academic woes.
Beyond academics, poor literacy skills affect a learner’s self-confidence. A student who cannot read fluently or write effectively often becomes withdrawn. They may avoid participating in class discussions or reading aloud. They fear being ridiculed by peers or being reprimanded by teachers. Over time, this fear turns into apathy, and the student stops trying altogether. They become passive participants in their own education, showing minimal effort because they have come to believe that success is out of reach.
This disengagement can have long-term consequences. When students internalize failure at a young age, they carry a sense of inadequacy into adolescence and adulthood. The schooling experience becomes associated with frustration and shame rather than discovery and growth. Many such students become early school leavers, contributing to dropout rates that continue to challenge educational systems, especially in under-resourced areas.
The irony is that many of these struggles are preventable. Literacy is a skill that can be taught, nurtured, and improved with the right strategies and support. Early identification of learners with literacy difficulties is crucial. Teachers need tools and training to recognize signs of weak literacy early and to intervene effectively. Classroom practices should be inclusive, providing varied opportunities for learners to read, write, speak, and listen. Reading should not be confined to the language lesson alone. It should be integrated across the curriculum so that learners build comprehension skills in every subject.
READ ALSO:
Kobala Girls cleared for KSSSA Nationals after Nyanza football dispute with Nyakach
Moreover, support must extend beyond the classroom. Parents play a critical role in nurturing literacy. When children grow up in homes that value reading and communication, they are more likely to become confident readers and writers. Simple practices like reading bedtime stories, having books at home, and encouraging children to talk about their day can make a big difference. Community support also matters. Libraries, mentorship programs, and peer tutoring can provide additional layers of help to learners who are struggling.
Technology can be a useful ally in this journey. Educational apps and digital platforms designed for literacy development offer personalized learning experiences that can complement classroom instruction. However, technology must be used wisely and not as a substitute for human interaction and guidance. The presence of a caring adult who can listen, guide, and encourage is irreplaceable in a learner’s development.
Teachers also need manageable workloads and sufficient resources. In overcrowded classrooms, it is difficult to offer individualized attention to learners who are falling behind. Policymakers must prioritize literacy by funding early intervention programs, providing adequate reading materials, and ensuring that every school has a well-stocked library and a competent literacy teacher.
Ultimately, literacy is not just a subject – it is the foundation upon which all learning is built. Without it, learners are denied the opportunity to access knowledge, think critically, and express themselves fully. As such, improving literacy is not just the responsibility of language teachers, but a shared duty across the entire education ecosystem. When learners are given the right support at the right time, they can overcome initial setbacks and grow into articulate, confident, and successful individuals.
We must stop treating poor literacy as a learner’s problem and start viewing it as a systemic failure that needs urgent redress. Every child deserves the chance to read a story, understand a poem, write a letter, and engage with the world through words. Literacy empowers. Without it, education remains a closed door. Let us ensure no learner is left behind simply because they could not read or write well enough. The cost of ignoring poor literacy is too high – for the learner, the school, and the society at large.
Ashford teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County and serves as Dean of Studies.
By Ashford Kimani
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
