Why is Literacy in the Foundation Phase unique?

Good reading and writing skills are not only essential for effective communication in today’s world – they also form the basis of a child’s continuing education and therefore need to be mastered in the first few years of schooling. Literacy in the Foundation Phase discusses the teaching of English as home language in Grades 1, 2 and 3 as described by the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) of 2011. It also touches on the teaching of literacy in Grade R.

Literacy in the Foundation Phase focuses on the practical teaching of English. In addition, the book’s strong research foundation will enhance any researcher’s knowledge of literacy and how to teach it. The assessment of each language skill is discussed, and examples are provided.

This edition offers a theoretical background to language development and basic literacy. The book is premised on the   importance of a solid language foundation as key to effective learning and, although it advocates the desirability of mothertongue education, a chapter on the teaching of English as an additional language is included.

Literacy in the Foundation Phase is aimed at educators in search of basic and new ideas for the teaching of English as home language or as first additional language in the Foundation Phase, parents doing home schooling, and lecturers and students of the Foundation Phase at tertiary level.

The text has been critically reviewed by experts in the field and in academia, among others Professor Susan Kubic Barnes from the James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States.

The authors are well versed in Foundation Phase teaching and tertiary education. Marie Bester is an education consultant. Erika Meyer is a teaching and training consultant. Ina Joubert and Nkidi Phatudi are professors in the Departments of Early Childhood Education at the University of Pretoria and UNISA. Rinelle Evans is a professor in the Department of Humanities Education at the University of Pretoria.