LOLA JACOBS ASSIGNMENTS © 2024
RFP2601
ASSIGNMENT NO: 02
YEAR : 2024
PREVIEW:
Question 1
1.1 Reading is crucial in the foundation phase as it forms the cornerstone of a
child's academic development. It enables them to acquire essential language
skills, comprehend texts, and express themselves effectively. Through reading,
children broaden their vocabulary, enhance their understanding of grammar
and syntax, and develop critical thinking skills. Moreover, reading fosters
imagination, creativity, and empathy, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning
and success across various subjects.
1.2 Rule and Land's assertion that "most South African children do not learn to
read well" can be justified by various factors. These may include inadequate
access to quality educational resources, such as books and trained teachers,
particularly in disadvantaged communities. Additionally, socioeconomic
challenges, language barriers, and insufficient emphasis on early literacy
interventions contribute to reading difficulties among South African children.
Furthermore, issues like overcrowded classrooms and limited parental
, LOLA JACOBS ASSIGNMENTS © 2024
involvement in literacy activities further exacerbate the problem, making it
difficult for many children to develop proficient reading skills.
1.3 'Invented writing' refers to the early stages of literacy development where
children use symbols, letters, or combinations of letters to represent words or
ideas, often in a non-conventional manner. Children engage in invented writing
as they begin to explore and make sense of written language. It serves as a
vital step in their literacy journey, allowing them to experiment with phonemic
awareness, letter-sound correspondence, and spelling patterns. Through
invented writing, children develop a deeper understanding of the alphabetic
principle and gain confidence in expressing themselves through written
language.
1.4 Establishing print-rich classrooms plays a pivotal role in creating responsive
reading spaces that promote incidental reading. Teachers contribute
significantly to this endeavor by designing an environment conducive to literacy
development. They strategically display print materials, such as books, charts,
labels, and word walls, throughout the classroom to immerse students in a print-
rich environment. Additionally, teachers model reading behaviors, engage
students in shared reading experiences, and provide opportunities for
independent reading. By actively promoting literacy through their instructional
practices and classroom setup, teachers cultivate a culture of reading and
facilitate incidental learning, where students naturally encounter and engage
with written language in various contexts.
1.5 Pretorius et al. (2016) and Willenberg (2018) advocate for the proper
training of teachers to teach children how to read for comprehension due to its
crucial role in academic achievement and lifelong learning. Comprehension is
not merely about decoding words but also understanding and interpreting the
meaning conveyed by the text. Skilled instruction is essential to equip teachers
with effective strategies for teaching comprehension, such as vocabulary
development, questioning techniques, and text analysis. Moreover, teachers
need to understand the diverse needs of learners and employ differentiated
instruction to support comprehension development across various proficiency
levels and backgrounds. Proper training ensures that teachers have the
knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to foster comprehension skills
effectively, ultimately enhancing students' reading proficiency and overall
academic success.
1.6 Establishing school community libraries offers numerous benefits for both
students and the broader community. Firstly, it provides students with access
to a wide range of reading materials, including books, magazines, and digital
resources, fostering a love for reading and expanding their knowledge base.
Additionally, school libraries serve as safe and conducive spaces for
independent study, research, and collaborative learning, complementing
classroom instruction. Furthermore, community libraries promote literacy and
lifelong learning beyond the school setting, benefiting families, adults, and
community members of all ages. They serve as hubs for cultural enrichment,
community engagement, and academic support, bridging gaps in access to
educational resources and promoting social cohesion. Overall, school