• Maria Deanah S. Berja
• Fausto C. Romero, Jr.

Abstract - This study assessed the reading and spelling abilities of Grade 3 learners at Burabod Elementary School, Garchitorena District, Division of Camarines Sur, and utilized the results to develop a short story reading material aimed at enhancing academic performance. Specifically, it examined: (1) learners’ levels of reading and spelling abilities; (2) academic performance in English during the third and fourth quarters; (3) the relationship between reading and spelling abilities and academic performance; (4) the influence of these literacy skills on performance; and (5) the contribution of a crafted short story material to learning improvement.Using a descriptive-correlational design, data from 22 learners were gathered via teacher-made tests and analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and coefficient of determination. Findings revealed generally low proficiency in decoding, fluency, comprehension, and spelling domains. Academic performance in written works and performance tasks likewise fell below expected standards. A significant relationship was found only between decoding and performance tasks in Quarter 3 (r = 0.62, p = 0.001), while all other correlations were weak or non-significant. Influence measures (r² values) indicated minimal predictive power of reading and spelling abilities on academic performance. Nevertheless, the use of short stories was found to be pedagogically valuable, promoting vocabulary development, comprehension, and learner engagement. The study concludes that reading and spelling deficits are closely linked to academic underperformance. While statistical relationships were limited, the integration of contextualized short story materials may help address foundational literacy gaps and support improved academic outcomes.

Interplay, Reading, Spelling, Academic Performance, Learners

"Interplay of Reading and Spelling in the Academic Performance of Learners ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 5, page no.e941-e948, May-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2505584.pdf

"Interplay of Reading and Spelling in the Academic Performance of Learners ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 5, page no. ppe941-e948, May-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2505584.pdf