Die belangrikheid van die fonologiese en fonemiese bewustheid in aanvangslees by graad 1-leerders in 'n taalarm omgewing

Abstract

This study emphasized the important role of phonological and phonemic awareness and understanding of letter-sound correspondence in elementary reading in a grade 1 class. The importance of preparatory activities preceding reading is strongly emphasized when looking at strategies for delays to cope in beginning reading. The ability of learners to develop auditory and visual perceptions and discernment between sounds and sound patterns are described as predictors of successful reading. Early and continuous monitoring of initial reading skills are an important aspect to reduce and prevent reading barriers.

Action Research is conducted in a grade 1 class with learners who have not received grade R instruction and who at age 5 ½ years already enrolled at the school. The learners are young and do not receive enough stimulation at home. They already show barriers to learning in the effective use of language and learning with school entry. Due to the large backlogs of these learners the focus is on phonological awareness and phonemic awareness in elementary reading of the young child. The development of phonological and phonemic awareness and the organization and importance of teaching phonics in context, as a method of reading to strengthen skills at grade 1 learner in a poor language environment is investigated. A variety of teaching strategies in reading approaches is investigated in the study. The findings of the effect of phonological awareness and phonemic awareness in elementary reading are discussed.

Learning Programmes such as the ‘Foundation for Learning’ of the National Department of Education (DoE) introduced to schools should be taught thoroughly. The view of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED 2006: 3) who expressed the approach to Literacy as “explicit teaching of phonics within a balanced approach to reading” is held. This approach allows major challenges to educators and learners in a poor language environment. Educators' methodology of teaching reading should be adjusted and should be focused on the teaching of phonics in context to maintain a balance between phonic and balanced approach to reading.