PROPERTY OF
STUDY ORBIT
ENG2613
ASSIGNMENT 3 (ANSWERS) YEAR MODULE
DUE DATE: 4 August 2025
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than August 2025. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
Evaluating the Appropriateness of Why the Bat Flies at Night and The Robin’s Lament for an
Intermediate Phase FAL South African Classroom
Introduction
Children’s literature plays a vital role in the development of learners' language, values, emotions,
and worldview, especially within the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6), where learners are
developing more advanced cognitive and language skills. In the South African context, where English
often functions as a First Additional Language (FAL), texts must be not only linguistically accessible
but also culturally responsive and emotionally engaging. This essay evaluates the appropriateness
of Why the Bat Flies at Night by Nal’ibali (2025) and The Robin’s Lament by Gozelski (2024) for use
in the Intermediate Phase FAL classroom. The evaluation is structured according to four critical
criteria: age appropriateness in terms of style and themes, moral and ethical learning, emotional
and mental development, and the promotion of inclusivity. Each text will be examined in light of
these elements to determine its suitability for supporting the holistic development of learners in a
multilingual and multicultural South African educational setting.
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
, Don’t miss out! Get exclusive assignment releases, updates, and request any assignment you need on
our Telegram Channel: https://t.me/+7hpSj8brUgkwNDRk
1. Age Appropriateness: Style and Themes
Why the Bat Flies at Night is particularly well-suited to the developmental level of Intermediate
Phase learners. The text is written in a clear, engaging narrative style, using simple vocabulary and
sentence structures that are accessible to learners aged 9 to 12. As an origin myth, it taps into
children’s natural curiosity about the world, offering imaginative explanations for natural
phenomena—in this case, the nocturnal behavior of bats. The themes of jealousy, deception, and
justice are universally relatable, and are presented through action-driven storytelling, which holds
the attention of young readers (Nal’ibali, 2025). These themes are age-appropriate as they reflect
social dynamics that learners may experience themselves—such as friendships, envy, and
consequences—within a safe fictional context.
In contrast, The Robin’s Lament appears to be a poetic narrative that explores deeper emotional
and symbolic themes, likely dealing with loss, longing, or reflection, given the use of the word
"lament." While poetry can be challenging for some FAL learners, Gozelski (2024) appears to make
use of familiar natural imagery—the robin, for example—to convey emotional depth in a manner
that can still be accessible. Intermediate Phase learners are ready to engage with figurative language
and metaphor, provided it is scaffolded by the teacher. The text’s likely themes of sadness,
remembrance, or seasonal change are relevant to learners' growing emotional awareness and
provide a gentle introduction to more abstract thinking.
2. Moral and Ethical Learning
Moral development is central to Intermediate Phase education, and both texts contribute
meaningfully to this aim. In Why the Bat Flies at Night, strong moral lessons are embedded in the
narrative. Mamanthwane’s betrayal of Legotlo and her subsequent punishment by the king and
queen communicate the consequences of jealousy and deceit. Learners are encouraged to reflect
on the importance of honesty, the consequences of betrayal, and the value of empathy and fairness.
These messages are not didactic but are embedded within an engaging plot that allows learners to
infer meaning and engage in moral reasoning discussions (Nal’ibali, 2025). The story supports CAPS
objectives that promote values education through reading comprehension and oral discussion.
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
STUDY ORBIT
ENG2613
ASSIGNMENT 3 (ANSWERS) YEAR MODULE
DUE DATE: 4 August 2025
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than August 2025. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
Evaluating the Appropriateness of Why the Bat Flies at Night and The Robin’s Lament for an
Intermediate Phase FAL South African Classroom
Introduction
Children’s literature plays a vital role in the development of learners' language, values, emotions,
and worldview, especially within the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6), where learners are
developing more advanced cognitive and language skills. In the South African context, where English
often functions as a First Additional Language (FAL), texts must be not only linguistically accessible
but also culturally responsive and emotionally engaging. This essay evaluates the appropriateness
of Why the Bat Flies at Night by Nal’ibali (2025) and The Robin’s Lament by Gozelski (2024) for use
in the Intermediate Phase FAL classroom. The evaluation is structured according to four critical
criteria: age appropriateness in terms of style and themes, moral and ethical learning, emotional
and mental development, and the promotion of inclusivity. Each text will be examined in light of
these elements to determine its suitability for supporting the holistic development of learners in a
multilingual and multicultural South African educational setting.
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
, Don’t miss out! Get exclusive assignment releases, updates, and request any assignment you need on
our Telegram Channel: https://t.me/+7hpSj8brUgkwNDRk
1. Age Appropriateness: Style and Themes
Why the Bat Flies at Night is particularly well-suited to the developmental level of Intermediate
Phase learners. The text is written in a clear, engaging narrative style, using simple vocabulary and
sentence structures that are accessible to learners aged 9 to 12. As an origin myth, it taps into
children’s natural curiosity about the world, offering imaginative explanations for natural
phenomena—in this case, the nocturnal behavior of bats. The themes of jealousy, deception, and
justice are universally relatable, and are presented through action-driven storytelling, which holds
the attention of young readers (Nal’ibali, 2025). These themes are age-appropriate as they reflect
social dynamics that learners may experience themselves—such as friendships, envy, and
consequences—within a safe fictional context.
In contrast, The Robin’s Lament appears to be a poetic narrative that explores deeper emotional
and symbolic themes, likely dealing with loss, longing, or reflection, given the use of the word
"lament." While poetry can be challenging for some FAL learners, Gozelski (2024) appears to make
use of familiar natural imagery—the robin, for example—to convey emotional depth in a manner
that can still be accessible. Intermediate Phase learners are ready to engage with figurative language
and metaphor, provided it is scaffolded by the teacher. The text’s likely themes of sadness,
remembrance, or seasonal change are relevant to learners' growing emotional awareness and
provide a gentle introduction to more abstract thinking.
2. Moral and Ethical Learning
Moral development is central to Intermediate Phase education, and both texts contribute
meaningfully to this aim. In Why the Bat Flies at Night, strong moral lessons are embedded in the
narrative. Mamanthwane’s betrayal of Legotlo and her subsequent punishment by the king and
queen communicate the consequences of jealousy and deceit. Learners are encouraged to reflect
on the importance of honesty, the consequences of betrayal, and the value of empathy and fairness.
These messages are not didactic but are embedded within an engaging plot that allows learners to
infer meaning and engage in moral reasoning discussions (Nal’ibali, 2025). The story supports CAPS
objectives that promote values education through reading comprehension and oral discussion.
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
