4.11 English with pets - who am i?

English first additional language

English with pets

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.

This module begins with a poem about Oscar the dog who wants to play. He has, however, to wait until Saturday before his “master” has time to play with him. It serves as introduction to the topic of “pets” and lends itself to discussion of pets and their basic needs.

Terry and his friends, John, Nicky and Tom go off to the pet shop to choose a pet. there are many different kinds, each living in its own “home”. Learners will find the repetitive rhymes said by the pets, easy to memorise and the situations can be acted/mimed giving those learners who confidently communicate in English, the opportunity to speak English while the others listen to the words.

Riddles allow for much discussion to find the answers.

The module concludes with a graph about the pets classmates have.

At the end of module 8, learners will have been exposed to ± 500 to 1 000 words in context in English as their additional language.

Integration of themes

• A healthy environment

This must be created and attained where the keeping of pets is concerned. Animals have needs and these should be respected when keeping them as pets.

· Divide the learners into groups of five.

· Act out the story of Terry and his friends going to the pet shop.

· Let the animals – dog, cat, rabbit, (fish, bird, mouse) say the rhyme.

· Let the friends say which pet they want to buy.

· Let each group perform their act for the class.

Leaner section

Content

Who am i?

• Read.
• Draw.

I can sing.

I can swing.

I have feathers and wings.

Am I a dog?

Am I a cat?

Am I a rabbit?

Am I a fish?

Who am I?

Draw me.

I can swim.

I can dive.

I can livein a tank.

Am I a dog?

Am I a cat?

Am I a rabbit?

Am I a bird?

Who am I?

Draw me.

• Complete the sentences.
• A bird has ............................................................................................................
• A fish can ............................................................................................................
• A rabbit can .........................................................................................................