Examining cultural relevancy in the ""Doctor Bird Readers""

Abstract

The "Doctor Bird Readers" represented a first attempt by the Jamaican government to produce readers for children in Grades 4-6. The Ministry of Education sought to develop stories that were relevant to the lives of the readers by using Jamaican authors and artists. This study examined whether cultural relevancy was achieved in the development of stories for the "Doctor Bird Readers." Data were collected from a questionnaire sent to 700 primary schools, and from interviews with authors and artists, as well as with children and teachers. The study concluded that the books achieved a high degree of relevancy. Children were able to find themselves and other familiar persons, events, and settings in the stories, the illustrations, and the language. It was concluded that the books have had a significant impact on reading education in Jamaica. For the first time, all children in Grades 4-6 had their own books, which were given free of charge. Children read not only in their classrooms but also at home. Low- and middle-reading groups were having greater success with reading than they had with previous books