South Africa Grade 1 Home Language Syllabus

This syllabus outlines the curriculum for Grade 1 Home Language in South Africa, based on the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). The Home Language curriculum focuses on developing foundational language skills in one of the 11 official languages of South Africa. It covers five key components: Listening & Speaking, Phonics & Spelling, Reading, Handwriting, and Writing.

Listening and Speaking

This component aims to develop learners' ability to listen attentively and communicate effectively in their home language. Learners are taught to listen without interrupting, follow simple instructions, and respond appropriately. They also engage in activities like listening to stories, rhymes, poems, and songs, and acting out parts of these. Learners practice speaking clearly and with detail, and learn to participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners.

Phonics and Spelling

Phonics instruction plays a crucial role in developing learners' reading and writing skills. The CAPS curriculum recommends 15 minutes of specific phonics teaching per day. This involves introducing new sounds and spellings systematically, starting with a review of sounds and spellings learned in kindergarten. Learners also begin to learn tricky spellings.

Reading

The reading component focuses on developing learners' ability to decode words, understand text, and develop a love for reading. Learners practice reading aloud with grade-appropriate texts, identify sight words and high-frequency words, and sound out new words. They also work on retelling familiar stories, finding details that support main points, and identifying different points of view.

Handwriting

Handwriting instruction aims to develop learners' fine motor skills and ability to form letters and numbers correctly. Learners practice writing manuscript letters and numbers, and work on improving their penmanship.

Writing

This component focuses on developing learners' ability to express themselves in writing. Learners begin by writing simple but complete sentences, using capital letters, commas, and periods correctly. They progress to writing short paragraphs and basic short stories. They also learn to identify informative writing, distinguish facts from opinions, and write about various topics.

CAPS Alignment

The Grade 1 Home Language curriculum is aligned with the CAPS, which provides detailed guidelines for teaching and assessment. The CAPS document outlines the learning outcomes, content, and assessment standards for each component of the curriculum. It also provides guidance on pacing the introduction of new concepts and skills.