Relationship between ‘Language and Emergent Literacy’ before School Age and Literacy Performance Levels for First and Second Graders: Data Mining Decision Tree Model Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify factors (language and emergent literacy before school age) affecting Hangul reading and writing performance level in the first and second grades of elementary school.Methods: A decision tree analysis was conducted to examine the Panel Study on Korean Children (PSKC) of the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education (KICCE) on the 7th (kindergarten, 6 years old), 8th (first grade, 7 years old), and 9th data (second grade, 8 years old).Results: Reading and writing performance levels of 1st and 2nd grade children were related to reading first grade books independently with comprehension, reading most words correctly and answering questions about what was read, making predictions while reading, and retelling story after reading. Children with reading levels within the top 20 percent frequently chose reading & writing-related activities, frequently looked at or read books for pleasure or to gain information, looked for books related to a personal interest or class topic, listened with interest and concentration to stories read aloud, made rhyme words, followed directions that include a series of actions, and were able to write relatively simple words such as ‘mom’ and ‘dad’.Conclusion: The findings are expected to serve as a basis for understanding what areas of literacy education should be given to children with low reading and writing performance.