Marungko Approach to Phonics-Based Reading Instruction

The Marungko Approach is a widely used phonics-based method for teaching reading in the Philippines. It was developed in response to the need for a more effective way to teach young children how to read in Filipino. The approach focuses on introducing letter sounds before letter names, helping students develop phonemic awareness, which is a critical skill for reading fluency.

This article will explore the Marungko Approach, its key principles, and how it is implemented in the classroom to support early literacy. We will also discuss the benefits of this approach and how it compares to other phonics-based methods.

What Is the Marungko Approach?

The Marungko Approach is a phonics-based reading instruction method designed to teach young children how to read in Filipino. It was developed by Josefina Marungko, an education specialist, in the 1980s. The approach emphasizes the early introduction of letter sounds (phonemic awareness) before teaching letter names, allowing students to quickly blend sounds and read simple words.

Unlike traditional methods that often focus on memorizing the alphabet before introducing sounds, the Marungko Approach prioritizes sound recognition as a foundation for decoding words. This makes it easier for children to grasp the mechanics of reading and begin recognizing words in context early on.

Key Features of the Marungko Approach:

Phonics-Based Instruction: The approach teaches students how to associate letters with their corresponding sounds, enabling them to decode words.
Sound Before Name: Letter sounds are introduced first, before letter names. This helps students develop phonological awareness and the ability to blend sounds into words.

Sequential Learning: Letters and sounds are introduced in a specific order, starting with the most commonly used sounds in Filipino. This allows children to start reading simple words early in the process.
Blending Strategy: The approach encourages students to blend sounds together to form words, a key skill in developing reading fluency.
Contextual Learning: The Marungko Approach uses stories, songs, and activities that are relevant to the child’s everyday life, making learning more meaningful and engaging.

Steps in the Marungko Approach

The Marungko Approach follows a systematic process that builds on students’ phonemic awareness and gradually introduces more complex reading skills. Here’s how the approach is typically implemented in the classroom:

1. Introducing Letter Sounds

The teacher begins by introducing letter sounds (not letter names) in a specific sequence. The most commonly used letters in Filipino are introduced first, allowing students to begin reading simple words early.
Example: The first letters introduced in the Marungko Approach are m, s, a, i, and o. These letters are selected because they are frequently used in simple, familiar words.

2. Blending Sounds to Form Words

Once students have learned the sounds of several letters, they are taught to blend these sounds together to form words. This step is crucial for helping children understand how individual sounds combine to create meaning.
Example: After learning the sounds of m, a, and s, students can blend these sounds to form the word masa.

3. Reading Simple Words and Sentences

As students become more confident in blending sounds, they begin reading simple words and sentences. The words used are typically familiar to the child’s environment, making the reading experience more relatable and meaningful.

Example: A sentence using the letters and sounds learned might be Si Ama ay may aso (Father has a dog).

4. Reinforcing Learning Through Context

The Marungko Approach emphasizes the use of stories, songs, and games to reinforce the letter sounds and words that students are learning. These activities help children practice reading in a fun and engaging way.
Example: A teacher might use a story about a family or animals to incorporate the letters and words the students are learning, making the lesson more memorable.

5. Gradual Introduction of More Letters

Once students have mastered the initial set of letters and sounds, new letters are introduced gradually. Each new set of letters builds on the students’ existing knowledge, allowing them to read more complex words and sentences.
Example: After mastering m, a, s, i, and o, students move on to learn letters like b, t, and e, expanding their vocabulary and reading ability.

Benefits of the Marungko Approach

The Marungko Approach offers several benefits for both students and teachers, particularly in the context of early literacy development in the Philippines.

1. Early Phonemic Awareness

By focusing on letter sounds before letter names, the Marungko Approach helps students develop phonemic awareness early on. This skill is critical for learning how to decode words and read fluently.

2. Quick Transition to Reading

The approach introduces commonly used letters first, allowing students to start reading simple words and sentences early in the learning process. This can boost students’ confidence and motivation to keep learning.

3. Engaging and Contextualized Learning

The use of stories, songs, and activities that are relevant to the students’ lives makes learning more engaging and meaningful. This contextualized approach helps students see the relevance of what they are learning and keeps them interested in reading.

4. Systematic and Sequential

The Marungko Approach follows a systematic sequence, ensuring that students build on their existing knowledge as they learn new skills. This methodical approach helps prevent gaps in learning and ensures that students develop a strong foundation in phonics.

5. Supports Struggling Readers

Because the Marungko Approach emphasizes phonemic awareness and blending, it can be particularly beneficial for students who struggle with traditional methods of learning to read. The focus on sounds and gradual progression helps students who may have difficulty memorizing letter names or sight words.

Marungko vs. Traditional Phonics Instruction

While both the Marungko Approach and traditional phonics instruction aim to teach students how to read through a focus on letter-sound relationships, there are some key differences between the two methods:

1. Sound vs. Letter Name

In traditional phonics instruction, students are often taught letter names before letter sounds. In contrast, the Marungko Approach prioritizes letter sounds first, helping students develop phonological awareness early on.

2. Order of Introduction

Traditional phonics programs often introduce letters in alphabetical order, while the Marungko Approach introduces letters based on their frequency of use in the Filipino language. This allows students to start reading useful words and sentences sooner.

3. Contextual Learning

The Marungko Approach emphasizes contextual learning through stories, songs, and everyday experiences. While traditional phonics programs may use isolated drills, the Marungko Approach integrates reading into meaningful activities.

4. Focus on Filipino Language

The Marungko Approach is specifically designed for teaching reading in Filipino, making it highly relevant in the context of the Philippines’ language and culture. Traditional phonics programs may be more general or focused on teaching reading in other languages, such as English.

Challenges of Implementing the Marungko Approach

While the Marungko Approach has many benefits, there can be challenges when implementing it in classrooms, particularly in under-resourced or overcrowded schools.

1. Teacher Training

Effective implementation of the Marungko Approach requires teachers to be properly trained in phonics instruction and to understand the sequence of letter-sound introduction. In some regions, there may be a lack of access to professional development opportunities for teachers.

2. Classroom Size

Large class sizes can make it difficult for teachers to provide individualized attention to students who may need extra help with letter sounds and blending.

3. Access to Materials

The approach relies on the use of stories, songs, and activities to reinforce learning. In some schools, there may be limited access to these materials, making it harder to create engaging lessons.

Conclusion

The Marungko Approach is an effective, phonics-based method for teaching reading in Filipino. By introducing letter sounds before letter names and focusing on phonemic awareness, the approach helps students develop the foundational skills they need to become fluent readers. Its use of contextualized learning through stories and songs makes it an engaging and meaningful way for young learners to connect with the material.

While there are challenges to implementing the Marungko Approach in some classrooms, particularly in under-resourced areas, its benefits make it a valuable tool for promoting early literacy and helping students succeed in their reading journey. With proper training and resources, the Marungko Approach can continue to play a significant role in improving literacy rates and fostering a love of reading among Filipino children.