,RFP2601 ASSIGNMENT 02
1.1Explain why reading is so important in the foundation phase. (5)
Reading is an essential skill that serves as the foundation for all other learning in
the foundation phase. The ability to read is not only necessary for academic
success but also plays a key role in the overall development of children. There are
several reasons why reading is so important in the foundation phase.
First and foremost, reading is essential for language development. By reading
books and being read to, children are exposed to a wide range of vocabulary and
language structures, which helps in expanding their own language skills. This
exposure helps children in developing their spoken language, listening skills, and
understanding of the language.
Furthermore, reading promotes cognitive development by stimulating the brain
and promoting critical thinking skills. When children engage with books, they are
constantly processing information, making connections, and interpreting the
world around them. This cognitive stimulation is crucial for their overall
development and learning.
In addition to cognitive development, reading also fosters imagination and
creativity. When children are exposed to different stories and characters, they can
use their imagination to create vivid images in their minds, leading to the
development of creative thinking skills.
Furthermore, reading helps in building a strong foundation for academic success.
The ability to read is crucial for learning across all subjects, and children who are
proficient readers generally perform better in other academic areas.
Lastly, reading also plays a significant role in emotional and social development.
Through stories, children learn about different emotions, morals, and social
behaviors, which helps in developing empathy and understanding of the world
around them.
, In conclusion, reading is crucial in the foundation phase as it not only promotes
language and cognitive development but also fosters imagination, creativity, and
social skills. Therefore, it is important for educators and parents to encourage a
love for reading in children from a young age, as it sets the stage for lifelong
learning and success.
Reference:
Senechal, M., & LeFevre, J. A. (2002). Parental involvement in the development of
children's reading skill: A five-year longitudinal study. Child development, 73(2),
445-460.
Reference:Pinnell, G. S., & Fountas, I. C. (2001). Guided Reading: Good First
Teaching for All Children. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
1.2 Rule and Land (2017:2) state that “most South African children do not learn
to read well.” Justify the reason for their statement. (5)]
The statement from Rule and Land (2017:2) that "most South African children do
not learn to read well" can be justified by looking at the results of the latest
Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) conducted in 2016. The
study found that 78% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa were unable to read for
meaning in any language. This indicates a significant problem with reading
proficiency among South African children, supporting the authors' assertion.
Furthermore, the Department of Basic Education in South Africa has
acknowledged the reading crisis in the country, with the Minister of Basic
Education, Angie Motshekga, stating that "there is no other way to put it – we
have a reading crisis in this country." The government's recognition of the issue
further supports the claim that most South African children do not learn to read
well.
Additionally, other researchers and educators in South Africa have also
highlighted the challenges faced in teaching reading and literacy, including the
lack of access to quality reading materials, limited teacher training in effective
1.1Explain why reading is so important in the foundation phase. (5)
Reading is an essential skill that serves as the foundation for all other learning in
the foundation phase. The ability to read is not only necessary for academic
success but also plays a key role in the overall development of children. There are
several reasons why reading is so important in the foundation phase.
First and foremost, reading is essential for language development. By reading
books and being read to, children are exposed to a wide range of vocabulary and
language structures, which helps in expanding their own language skills. This
exposure helps children in developing their spoken language, listening skills, and
understanding of the language.
Furthermore, reading promotes cognitive development by stimulating the brain
and promoting critical thinking skills. When children engage with books, they are
constantly processing information, making connections, and interpreting the
world around them. This cognitive stimulation is crucial for their overall
development and learning.
In addition to cognitive development, reading also fosters imagination and
creativity. When children are exposed to different stories and characters, they can
use their imagination to create vivid images in their minds, leading to the
development of creative thinking skills.
Furthermore, reading helps in building a strong foundation for academic success.
The ability to read is crucial for learning across all subjects, and children who are
proficient readers generally perform better in other academic areas.
Lastly, reading also plays a significant role in emotional and social development.
Through stories, children learn about different emotions, morals, and social
behaviors, which helps in developing empathy and understanding of the world
around them.
, In conclusion, reading is crucial in the foundation phase as it not only promotes
language and cognitive development but also fosters imagination, creativity, and
social skills. Therefore, it is important for educators and parents to encourage a
love for reading in children from a young age, as it sets the stage for lifelong
learning and success.
Reference:
Senechal, M., & LeFevre, J. A. (2002). Parental involvement in the development of
children's reading skill: A five-year longitudinal study. Child development, 73(2),
445-460.
Reference:Pinnell, G. S., & Fountas, I. C. (2001). Guided Reading: Good First
Teaching for All Children. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
1.2 Rule and Land (2017:2) state that “most South African children do not learn
to read well.” Justify the reason for their statement. (5)]
The statement from Rule and Land (2017:2) that "most South African children do
not learn to read well" can be justified by looking at the results of the latest
Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) conducted in 2016. The
study found that 78% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa were unable to read for
meaning in any language. This indicates a significant problem with reading
proficiency among South African children, supporting the authors' assertion.
Furthermore, the Department of Basic Education in South Africa has
acknowledged the reading crisis in the country, with the Minister of Basic
Education, Angie Motshekga, stating that "there is no other way to put it – we
have a reading crisis in this country." The government's recognition of the issue
further supports the claim that most South African children do not learn to read
well.
Additionally, other researchers and educators in South Africa have also
highlighted the challenges faced in teaching reading and literacy, including the
lack of access to quality reading materials, limited teacher training in effective
