Improving First-Grade Students' Beginning Reading Skills Through Image Media

Abstract

This classroom action research aimed to improve first-grade students’ beginning reading skills through image media. The study was conducted at SD Negeri Unggulan Bontomanai, Gowa Regency, during the 2025/2026 academic year and involved ten students who, based on a diagnostic assessment, required support in letter recognition, syllable reading, and simple-word reading. The study comprised two cycles, each involving planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data were collected through reading tests, student-activity observation sheets, and field notes and were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative descriptive techniques. With a minimum mastery criterion (KKM) of 60, six students (60%) achieved mastery in Cycle I and ten students (100%) in Cycle II. The mean score increased from 70 to 83, while the proportion of active students increased from 60% to 90%. These results indicate that the use of image media in this classroom was associated with improved beginning reading performance and student participation. Its use should be aligned with the targeted reading indicators and students’ characteristics.