English with kitty (beacon readers)

English first additional language

English with little kitty

Educator section

Memorandum

Introduction

The topics chosen for the modules in Grade 1 are all related to stories which reflect the learners’ experience in the world in which they are growing up. They are relevant to both boys and girls.

Much depends on the number of times the learners hear the stories and rhymes and the provision made for the repetition of the vocabulary introduced. At first this is done classically. As the learners become more familiar with English they can communicate with a friend. Eventually they will want to tell the teacher and answer questions about the texts.

The educators must keep in mind that there may be many/some learners in the class who are still only at the listening stage, but with the necessary encouragement and praise they will soon join in and begin speaking in English.

Time scheduled for the modules 1 to 8

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

Allow the slower learners to proceed at their own pace when doing the written activities but expose them to all the listening and speaking activities with the class.

The quick learners can be extended and given more tasks and activities to complete.

“Funny little Kitty Cat” tells the story of Little Kitty finding her body parts – eyes, paws, ears, nose, mouth and with Mother Cat’s help determines what they are used for.

The pictures are shown in sequence to enable learners to retell the story in sequence.

With a variety of rhymes and activities basic vocabulary of the body, counting, colours and forms of greetings are learnt. Sentences with a frame, “I can . . . .” are repeated and initial verbs such as swim, hop, walk, run are introduced.

Integration of themes

• Social Justice

As we consider our body parts, questions about disabled people can arise. There should be no discrimination made between them and others. (Inclusively)

• Human rights

The child must be protected in the home and school environment and dangers that occur when children have to cross busy roads, must be addressed.

• A Healthy environment

Must be established with learners respecting and protecting nature.

• Learners acquire an additional language – in this case – English, mainly through listening and later through repeating words and phrases. It is therefore important that much repetition will take place as well as constant revision of the vocabulary to which learners are being exposed. The story, Funny Little Kitty pages 1 and 2, should therefore be told over and over for the learners to become familiar with the words and phrases used.
• The story can be told while learners look at the picture on page. This picture can also be used to encourage them to talk and use the new language. They can also follow the story and join in with the educator.
• To make the dialogue interesting, the educator can make simple finger puppets or pictures on sticks for puppets. Learners, who want to speak English and have the confidence, can take turns to be the characters in the story. Miming and acting can also be used to encourage understanding etc.
• After much practice the learners can retell the story.
• Sing songs: Twinkle Twinkle; Heads and Shoulders.
• Say rhymes: See learning unit.
• Greet your learners in English regularly.

Leaner section

Content

Funny little kitty cat (beacon readers)

One day funny little Kitty Cat ran to Mummy and said, “Look, Mummy, I have found my two little eyes. What can I do with my two little eyes?"

“Oh, you funny little Kitty Cat,” said Mummy.

“You can see with your two little eyes.”

“I can see with my two little eyes. I can see the tree and four apples. I can see YOU, Mummy!” said little Kitty Cat.

“Mummy, Mummy! I have found my two little ears. What can I do with my two little ears?" said little Kitty Cat.

“Oh, you funny little Kitty Cat,” said Mummy.

“You can hear with your two little ears.”

“I can hear with my two little ears. I can hear a bird and the cars go by. I can hear YOU, Mummy!” said little Kitty Cat.

“Mummy, Mummy! I have found my one little nose. What can I do with my one little nose?” said little Kitty Cat.

“Oh you funny little Kitty Cat, “said Mummy. “You can smell with your one little nose.”

“I can smell with my one little nose. I can smell a rose and an apple pie. I can smell YOU, Mummy!” said little Kitty Cat.

“Mummy, Mummy! I have found my four little paws. What can I do with my four little paws?” said little Kitty Cat.

“Oh you funny little Kitty Cat," said Mummy.

“You can run with your four little paws.”

“I can run with my four little paws. I can run up the tree and I can run to my basket. I can run to YOU, Mummy,” said little Kitty Cat.

“Mummy, Mummy! I have found my one little mouth. What can I do with my one little mouth?” said little Kitty Cat.

“Oh you funny little Kitty Cat,” said Mummy. “You can eat with your one little mouth.”

“I can eat with my one little mouth. I can eat my fish and I can eat a MOUSE!” said little Kitty Cat.

And so he did!

How well did you listen? The educator will ask the learners questions about the story, which require one or two word answers, e.g.

1. Who is the story about?

2. What can Little Kitty Cat do with his two little eyes? What can you do with your two little eyes?

3. Ears? Paws? Nose? Mouth?

Funny little kitty cat

Assessment

Learning Outcome 1: LISTENING : The learner is able to listen for information and enjoyment and respond appropriately and critically in a wider range of situations.

Assessment Standard 1.1: We know this when the learner understands short, simple stories:

1.1.1 mimes the story;

1.1.2 joins in choruses at appropriate points;

1.1.5 answers simple, literal “yes/no” and open questions with one-word answers;

Assessment Standard 1.5: We know this when the learner shows respect for classmates by giving them a chance to speak, and by listening to them.

Learning Outcome 2: SPEAKING : The learner is able to communicate confidently and effectively in spoken language in a wide range of situations.

Assessment Standard 2.7: We know this when the learner retells a familiar story.