4.4 Homes in the hedge

English first additional language

Homes in the hedge

Educator section

Memorandum

In Grade 2 the learners will build new experiences in the additional language on those learnt in Grade 1 as well as those learnt in their Home Language. They will continue to need many listening and speaking opportunities so as to develop their reading and writing skills in Grade 2.

A wide vocabulary is very important. The ICS modules for Grade 2 provide opportunities for the revision of Grade 1 vocabulary and they gradually introduce and consolidate new vocabulary by means of poems, rhymes, stories, riddles and jokes and games to play.

Learners are encouraged to answer questions, and to take part in discussions and conversations on familiar topics.

The attention is drawn to the sounds of letters in the additional language and learners discover that some letters sound the same as in their home language whereas others differ.

Although the educator will attend to correct pronunciation at this stage, learners should always be encouraged to speak the additional language without feeling incompetent and self-conscious.

By keeping the dictionary pages at the end of each module in a file, learners can revise the vocabulary and use these lists as a personal dictionary to which they can refer when completing or writing sentences and stories.

Time scheduled for the modules 1 to 8

It is suggested that the average learners complete all eight modules during the year, completing ± two modules per term.

The slower learners will proceed at their own pace while the quick learners can be given more tasks if necessary.

All learners in Grade 2 should be exposed to all the listening, speaking and reading activities in these eight modules to ensure that progression occurs throughout.

Cas is one of many creatures living in the hedge around Farmer Brown’s farm. The characteristics of chameleons and the dangers which they must confront are described in the stories and poem to be listened to and read.

More nursery rhymes, riddles and phonic exercises are included.

This module reflects on a variety of creatures living in the hedge around Farmer Brown’s farm.

It’s breakfast time on the farm. the farm animals are waiting for their food and the hedge becomes alive with creepy crawlies looking for something to eat. Survival is of all importance as predators look for an easy prey.

Learners complete a graph on what their favourite breakfast food consists of.

Integration of themes

• Inclusively

Each creature in the hedge has a home as everybody is entitled to a place they can call home.

• A healthy environment

Keeping their environment clean and safe.

Leaner section

Content

• Listen to the poem. Read it with your teacher.

Homes in the hedge

The hedge around the farm

has many living things.

There are worms and bugs and bees,

and butterflies with wings.

I wish that I could be

unseen amongst the leaves,

and watch the creatures living there,

and maybe join their teas.

G.J.M.

• Tell your teacher the story of the poem.
• Learn the poem and say it to your teacher.