This study investigated how 5-year-olds in the basic school were prepared in reading readiness. Factors impacting negatively were inadequate classroom facilities, parents' perception that the children's activities should emphasize work and not play, and teachers’ acceptance of the rote-learning approach of the alphabet and numbers. The study recommended improving basic school facilities to ensure adequate space, appropriate furniture, and separate space for 5-year-olds; and providing more picture books to improve the 5-year-olds' reading readiness skills.