QUESTION 1
1.1. The environment plays a significant role in the children’s development in general and their
language development, in particular (HLT3701 Study Guide 2020).
1.1.1. Briefly discuss what you understand about a language-rich environment.
A language-rich environment is a space that supports and encourages children's language
development through meaningful interaction and exposure. It includes a print-rich setting where
charts, labels, and word walls are visible and used daily. Language is developed both formally and
informally through everyday routines, songs, games, and conversations. The classroom is organised
to promote interaction, with spaces like a reading corner and theme tables. Resources like weather
charts and birthday calendars help introduce new vocabulary. Objects are labelled to encourage
incidental reading. Overall, language is naturally embedded in daily activities and surroundings.
1.1.2. Create two activities that you would do in class to develop language-rich classroom.
1. Daily and Weather Chart Routine
Activity Description: Set up a large chart that includes the day, date, month, season, and a
weather section. Each morning, go through the chart with the class by asking questions like,
“What day is it today?” or “How’s the weather outside?” Children take turns answering and
helping to update the chart.
How it creates a language-rich classroom: This routine builds a daily habit of using spoken
language in a meaningful way. It introduces and reinforces vocabulary related to time and
weather, and gives learners a chance to hear and use complete sentences.
Language Skills Developed: Listening and speaking are developed through
question-and-answer interactions. Vocabulary also grows as learners become familiar with new
words linked to the calendar and weather.
2. Word Wall Activities
Activity Description: Create a word wall that displays high-frequency or theme-based words.
Throughout the week, use it for mini-games like “Find the Word,” “What word starts with...,”
or “Make a sentence using...”
How it creates a language-rich classroom: The word wall keeps important vocabulary visible
and encourages children to read and use these words often. It supports independent writing and
helps with word recognition.
Language Skills Developed: Reading and writing are strengthened through word recognition
and sentence construction. Speaking and listening are also developed when learners interact
with the wall through games or class discussions.