, RFP2601 ASSIGNMENT 2
2026
DUE DATE: JULY 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1
Reading is extremely important in the Foundation Phase because it forms the basis of all
future learning and academic success. It enables learners to decode, understand, and
interpret written language, which is essential across all subjects (DBE, 2011). Strong early
reading skills support the development of vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure,
which improve overall communication. Reading also strengthens cognitive development by
improving memory, attention span, and critical thinking skills (Cunningham & Allington,
2016). It allows learners to access information independently and build confidence in
learning. In addition, early exposure to reading promotes a lifelong love for learning and
helps reduce later learning difficulties and academic failure.
1.2
A print-rich classroom is a learning environment that is filled with meaningful written
language materials such as storybooks, labels, charts, posters, word walls, and learners’
work. It exposes learners to continuous print, helping them to recognise words and
understand how language works in real contexts (DBE, 2011). This environment supports
reading development by increasing word recognition, comprehension skills, and vocabulary
growth. It also encourages learners to interact with texts daily, which builds confidence and
reading fluency. Furthermore, it promotes incidental learning because learners absorb
language patterns naturally through exposure (Cunningham & Allington, 2016). A print-rich
classroom therefore creates an engaging literacy environment that supports both formal
and informal reading development.
1.3
2026
DUE DATE: JULY 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1
Reading is extremely important in the Foundation Phase because it forms the basis of all
future learning and academic success. It enables learners to decode, understand, and
interpret written language, which is essential across all subjects (DBE, 2011). Strong early
reading skills support the development of vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure,
which improve overall communication. Reading also strengthens cognitive development by
improving memory, attention span, and critical thinking skills (Cunningham & Allington,
2016). It allows learners to access information independently and build confidence in
learning. In addition, early exposure to reading promotes a lifelong love for learning and
helps reduce later learning difficulties and academic failure.
1.2
A print-rich classroom is a learning environment that is filled with meaningful written
language materials such as storybooks, labels, charts, posters, word walls, and learners’
work. It exposes learners to continuous print, helping them to recognise words and
understand how language works in real contexts (DBE, 2011). This environment supports
reading development by increasing word recognition, comprehension skills, and vocabulary
growth. It also encourages learners to interact with texts daily, which builds confidence and
reading fluency. Furthermore, it promotes incidental learning because learners absorb
language patterns naturally through exposure (Cunningham & Allington, 2016). A print-rich
classroom therefore creates an engaging literacy environment that supports both formal
and informal reading development.
1.3
