,RFP2601 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 – DUE July 2025; 100% correct
solutions and explanations.
QUESTION 1: (30)
QUESTION 1
1.1 Why reading is important in the Foundation Phase: (5
marks)
Reading is crucial in the foundation phase because it lays the
groundwork for all future learning. It helps children develop
language skills, vocabulary, and comprehension abilities.
Through reading, learners improve their listening, concentration,
and critical thinking skills. It also supports emotional and social
development by allowing children to connect with stories and
characters. Most importantly, reading fosters a love for learning
and provides learners with the tools to access knowledge across
all subjects. Early reading proficiency is strongly linked to long-
term academic success.
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)
, Rule and Land’s statement is based on large-scale studies such
as PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study),
which show that many Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot
read for meaning. Contributing factors include inadequate
teacher training, lack of reading materials, overcrowded
classrooms, and learners being taught in a language they do not
speak at home. Socioeconomic challenges also limit exposure to
books and reading activities outside of school. These systemic
issues result in poor reading outcomes nationally.
1.3 Explain what you understand by ‘invented writing’ and
why children use invented writing. (5)
Invented writing refers to the early attempts of young children to
write words using their own spellings based on how the words
sound (phonetic spelling). For example, a child might write
“luv” for “love.” This stage is a natural part of literacy
development. Children use invented writing to express
themselves before they fully master conventional spelling and
grammar. It shows their growing awareness of print, phonics,
and the connection between spoken and written language.
1.4 By establishing print-rich classrooms, responsive reading
spaces are created that promote incidental reading. Discuss
the role of the teacher in establishing print-rich classrooms.
(5)
The teacher plays a crucial role in creating a print-rich
classroom by displaying a variety of written materials, such as
Semester 1 2025 – DUE July 2025; 100% correct
solutions and explanations.
QUESTION 1: (30)
QUESTION 1
1.1 Why reading is important in the Foundation Phase: (5
marks)
Reading is crucial in the foundation phase because it lays the
groundwork for all future learning. It helps children develop
language skills, vocabulary, and comprehension abilities.
Through reading, learners improve their listening, concentration,
and critical thinking skills. It also supports emotional and social
development by allowing children to connect with stories and
characters. Most importantly, reading fosters a love for learning
and provides learners with the tools to access knowledge across
all subjects. Early reading proficiency is strongly linked to long-
term academic success.
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)
, Rule and Land’s statement is based on large-scale studies such
as PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study),
which show that many Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot
read for meaning. Contributing factors include inadequate
teacher training, lack of reading materials, overcrowded
classrooms, and learners being taught in a language they do not
speak at home. Socioeconomic challenges also limit exposure to
books and reading activities outside of school. These systemic
issues result in poor reading outcomes nationally.
1.3 Explain what you understand by ‘invented writing’ and
why children use invented writing. (5)
Invented writing refers to the early attempts of young children to
write words using their own spellings based on how the words
sound (phonetic spelling). For example, a child might write
“luv” for “love.” This stage is a natural part of literacy
development. Children use invented writing to express
themselves before they fully master conventional spelling and
grammar. It shows their growing awareness of print, phonics,
and the connection between spoken and written language.
1.4 By establishing print-rich classrooms, responsive reading
spaces are created that promote incidental reading. Discuss
the role of the teacher in establishing print-rich classrooms.
(5)
The teacher plays a crucial role in creating a print-rich
classroom by displaying a variety of written materials, such as