Print-based storybook in the mother tongue for teaching COVID-19 prevention in the Philippines

Abstract

The literature has shown that storybooks are helpful resources to teach young children about significant health, safety, and nutrition issues. The current project sought to produce a storybook about COVID-19 prevention written in the mother tongue (Akeanon) for young children using the Analysis-Design-Development-Implementation-Evaluation (ADDIE) model as a guide. In general, the mother tongue-based storybook is highly accepted by evaluators as they grasped the most significant intent in producing the resource, which is to instil staying at home to break the transmission of the virus and observe hygienic practices, primarily handwashing with soap and water. Additional information on COVID-19 signs and symptoms was also recommended to maximise its effectiveness for health teaching. While health literacy materials in English are welcome in the Philippines, the results of this project confirm that mother tongue-based instructional materials for COVID-19 are highly accepted, especially when validated resources are deemed helpful to raise awareness and encourage appropriate attitude and behaviour towards its prevention.