Abstract: The objective of this research is to improve early reading skills through Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) approach. This research forms is Classroom Action Research, it was conducted in two cycles. The subject of this research is the first grade students of Popongan 2 State Elementary School karanganyar, amounting to 40 students. The techniques of collecting data are observation, interview, documentation, and test. The data analysis technique uses Milles Huberman’s interactive model analysis. The average score before action is 71,5; on the cycle I rising to 73,6; and on the cycle II rising again become 78,2. Based on the research result, it can be concluded that through Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) approach can improving the early reading skills in the first grade students of Popongan 02 State Elementary School on the academic year of 2012/2013. Abstrak: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah meningkatkan keterampilan membaca permulaan melalui pendekatan Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL). Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan kelas yang dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus. Subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas I SD Negeri 02 Popongan Karanganyar yang berjumlah 40 siswa. Teknik pengumpulan datanya adalah observasi, wawancara, dokumentasi, dan tes. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis model interaktif Milles Huberman. Nilai rata-rata kelas sebelum tindakan sebesar 71,5; siklus I naik menjadi 73,6 dan pada siklus II naik menjadi 78,2. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa Pendekatan Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) dapat meningkatkan keterampilan membaca permulaan pada siswa kelas I SD Negeri 02 Popongan, Karanganyar, tahun pelajaran 2012/2013. Kata kunci: Keterampilan, Membaca Permulaan, Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL)
