A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY IN THE USE OF FOLKTALES AS A SUPPLEMENT TO A DEVELOPMENTAL READING PROGRAM FOR NON-THAI-SPEAKING CHILDREN IN THAILAND'S PRIMARY GRADES.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to develop a prototype supplement to a developmental reading program for non-Thai-speaking Malaysian children who are in grades one, two, and three in Thailand's public schools. Its aim focused on how to use folktales significant to children's own ethnic groups to develop their listening and developmental reading skills, and for understanding grammatical structures. A Malaysian folktale was selected for the model in this prototype. It was "The Adventures of King Suton," which was rewritten for each grade level. General and specific objectives for each grade level were identified for developing listening and developmental reading skills, and for understanding grammatical structures. Examples of activities for listening, developmental reading skills, and for understanding grammatical structures were structured for each objective. In particular, this prototype gave Thai rural teachers, who have limited reading instructional materials, a valid model by which they could structure exercises to aid non-Thai-speaking children to learn to read and write the Thai language. The prototype was presented to Thailand's Ministry of Education for consideration as a supplement to their curriculum.