, RFP2601 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE DATE: JULY 2026
QUESTION ONE
1.1 Explain why reading is so important in the Foundation Phase (5 marks)
Reading is a fundamental skill in the Foundation Phase because it enables learners to access
all areas of learning across the curriculum. At this stage, learners develop basic literacy skills
such as phonemic awareness, decoding, word recognition, and simple comprehension.
These skills are essential because they form the basis for later academic learning where
learners are expected to read independently to understand instructions, tasks, and subject
content. Without reading competence in the early years, learners experience difficulty in all
learning areas, including Mathematics and Life Skills, since these subjects also require
understanding written language (DBE, 2011).
Reading also supports language development and communication by exposing learners to
new vocabulary, sentence structures, and language patterns. It strengthens both spoken
and written language, helping learners express themselves more clearly. In addition, reading
in the Foundation Phase builds early thinking skills such as understanding meaning,
identifying ideas, and making simple connections in texts. These abilities are necessary for
later cognitive development and academic success (Snow, Burns & Griffin, 1998).
1.2 Print-rich classroom and contribution to reading development (10 marks)
A print-rich classroom is a learning environment where learners are surrounded by
meaningful and purposeful written language. This includes labelled objects, alphabet charts,
word walls, storybooks, posters, charts, learner-created texts, and environmental print that
DUE DATE: JULY 2026
QUESTION ONE
1.1 Explain why reading is so important in the Foundation Phase (5 marks)
Reading is a fundamental skill in the Foundation Phase because it enables learners to access
all areas of learning across the curriculum. At this stage, learners develop basic literacy skills
such as phonemic awareness, decoding, word recognition, and simple comprehension.
These skills are essential because they form the basis for later academic learning where
learners are expected to read independently to understand instructions, tasks, and subject
content. Without reading competence in the early years, learners experience difficulty in all
learning areas, including Mathematics and Life Skills, since these subjects also require
understanding written language (DBE, 2011).
Reading also supports language development and communication by exposing learners to
new vocabulary, sentence structures, and language patterns. It strengthens both spoken
and written language, helping learners express themselves more clearly. In addition, reading
in the Foundation Phase builds early thinking skills such as understanding meaning,
identifying ideas, and making simple connections in texts. These abilities are necessary for
later cognitive development and academic success (Snow, Burns & Griffin, 1998).
1.2 Print-rich classroom and contribution to reading development (10 marks)
A print-rich classroom is a learning environment where learners are surrounded by
meaningful and purposeful written language. This includes labelled objects, alphabet charts,
word walls, storybooks, posters, charts, learner-created texts, and environmental print that
