Tanzania Standard 2 Curriculum - Reading

This curriculum focuses on developing core competencies in reading, writing, and arithmetic (3Rs). It is designed for Standard 2 pupils in English medium primary schools. The curriculum emphasizes pupil-centered learning and encourages the use of various resources and teaching methods. Parent/guardian involvement is also highlighted.

Reading Competencies

The curriculum aims to develop the following specific reading competencies:

• Recognize letter sounds: Pupils learn to pronounce letter sounds (a-z) and identify individual sounds in simple words (initial, middle, and last sounds). They also practice identifying words with the same last sound (rhyming) and words with the same first sound (alliteration). Blending individual sounds to form simple words and pronouncing words with short vowel sounds are also key skills.
• Recognize letter-sound relationships: Pupils associate letters with sounds and read single-syllable words with simple structures (vowel-consonant, consonant-vowel-consonant). They also learn to read words with two consonant clusters (e.g., bl, cl, fl) and consonant digraphs (e.g., th, ch, sh). Reading words with vowel digraphs (e.g., ai, ay, ee) is also covered.
• Read fluently: Pupils practice reading short, simple sentences and using basic punctuation marks (full stop and question mark). Reading grade-appropriate texts with proper pronunciation is emphasized.
• Read for comprehension: Pupils read grade-appropriate texts for comprehension.

Kiswahili Reading Competencies

The following Kiswahili reading competencies are also developed:

• Kumudu stadi za awali za kusoma: This involves connecting consonant and vowel sounds to read syllables, pronouncing words with consonant clusters, identifying sounds that form words in sentences, and associating sounds with letters in texts. Pupils also learn the names of days of the week and months, connect words to read sentences, and read passages with appropriate speed, expression, and punctuation. Interpreting and explaining pictures and predicting text content are also included.

Teaching and Learning

The syllabus suggests various learning activities, assessment criteria, and resources for each competency. Teachers are encouraged to use a variety of teaching methods, including discussions, presentations, practical work, and projects, adapting them to the specific context. Resources include real objects, pictures, word lists, wall charts, audio-visual materials, and ICT tools. Assessment methods include exercises, observation, interviews, checklists, tests, and examinations.