ENG1517
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO:
DUE DATE: MAY 2025
, 1.1 Age Appropriateness (10 marks)
As outlined in Unit 6 of Tutorial Letter 501, children's literature should align with
learners’ developmental stages. The story "Why Dassies Have No Tails" is suitable for
the 6–9 age group for the following reasons:
Age 6: At this stage, children enjoy predictable storylines and repeated patterns.
The tale’s simple, structured plot—where animals queue up for tails—caters to
this need by offering a clear and engaging narrative.
Age 7: By age seven, children start to understand why characters behave in
certain ways. Dassie’s choice to sunbathe instead of joining the tail distribution
introduces the idea of personal decision-making and its consequences.
Age 8: Eight-year-olds can identify cause-and-effect relationships. Dassie
missing out on a tail because of his absence teaches a direct lesson about how
actions have outcomes.
Age 9: Children at this age begin to think more critically and interpret moral
lessons. The story encourages reflection on themes like responsibility and the
value of being present and engaged.
1.2 Pourquoi Tale and Myth (5 marks)
The story serves as both a pourquoi tale and a myth:
As a pourquoi tale, it creatively explains a feature of the natural world—why
dassies have no tails—through a fictional and entertaining narrative.
As a myth, it includes symbolic elements such as talking animals and a
communal event where animals receive their tails, reflecting traditional
storytelling that conveys cultural beliefs and values.
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO:
DUE DATE: MAY 2025
, 1.1 Age Appropriateness (10 marks)
As outlined in Unit 6 of Tutorial Letter 501, children's literature should align with
learners’ developmental stages. The story "Why Dassies Have No Tails" is suitable for
the 6–9 age group for the following reasons:
Age 6: At this stage, children enjoy predictable storylines and repeated patterns.
The tale’s simple, structured plot—where animals queue up for tails—caters to
this need by offering a clear and engaging narrative.
Age 7: By age seven, children start to understand why characters behave in
certain ways. Dassie’s choice to sunbathe instead of joining the tail distribution
introduces the idea of personal decision-making and its consequences.
Age 8: Eight-year-olds can identify cause-and-effect relationships. Dassie
missing out on a tail because of his absence teaches a direct lesson about how
actions have outcomes.
Age 9: Children at this age begin to think more critically and interpret moral
lessons. The story encourages reflection on themes like responsibility and the
value of being present and engaged.
1.2 Pourquoi Tale and Myth (5 marks)
The story serves as both a pourquoi tale and a myth:
As a pourquoi tale, it creatively explains a feature of the natural world—why
dassies have no tails—through a fictional and entertaining narrative.
As a myth, it includes symbolic elements such as talking animals and a
communal event where animals receive their tails, reflecting traditional
storytelling that conveys cultural beliefs and values.
