TMN3702
Assignment 3
Due 31 July 2025
, Assessment number: 3
Module name and code: TMN3702
Due date: 31 July 2025
Unique number:
1.1 Explain the difference between bottom-up and top-down approaches to
reading. (3)
• Bottom-up starts from the smallest unit letters and sounds and builds up to
words, sentences, and ultimately whole texts. It centers on decoding skills like
phonics.
• Top-down begins with the reader’s prior knowledge, context, and predictions,
using clues like titles and pictures to interpret the text without decoding every
word.
• In short, bottom-up constructs meaning from parts to whole; top-down uses
existing cognitive frameworks to make sense of the text.
1.2 Provide one example of each approach for a Grade 4 English Home Language
classroom. (2)
• Bottom-up example: A phonics segmenting activity where learners break down
words like "shark" into sounds /sh/ /ar/ /k/ and blend them back together.
• Top-down example: Learners preview the story title and images, then predict
the storyline and key vocabulary before reading.
1.3 Reading Lesson Plan Using a Short Story
Text to Read
The Short Story: “The Brave Little Tortoise”
Once upon a time, in a dry African savannah, there lived a small tortoise named Tandi.
All the animals laughed at her because she was slow and quiet. “You’ll never be a hero,”
Assignment 3
Due 31 July 2025
, Assessment number: 3
Module name and code: TMN3702
Due date: 31 July 2025
Unique number:
1.1 Explain the difference between bottom-up and top-down approaches to
reading. (3)
• Bottom-up starts from the smallest unit letters and sounds and builds up to
words, sentences, and ultimately whole texts. It centers on decoding skills like
phonics.
• Top-down begins with the reader’s prior knowledge, context, and predictions,
using clues like titles and pictures to interpret the text without decoding every
word.
• In short, bottom-up constructs meaning from parts to whole; top-down uses
existing cognitive frameworks to make sense of the text.
1.2 Provide one example of each approach for a Grade 4 English Home Language
classroom. (2)
• Bottom-up example: A phonics segmenting activity where learners break down
words like "shark" into sounds /sh/ /ar/ /k/ and blend them back together.
• Top-down example: Learners preview the story title and images, then predict
the storyline and key vocabulary before reading.
1.3 Reading Lesson Plan Using a Short Story
Text to Read
The Short Story: “The Brave Little Tortoise”
Once upon a time, in a dry African savannah, there lived a small tortoise named Tandi.
All the animals laughed at her because she was slow and quiet. “You’ll never be a hero,”
