isiNdebele First Additional Language - Term 1 - Week 7

Reading fluency is the ability to read a text smoothly and with expression. Today, we will practice reading short stories in isiNdebele. We will focus on how to read with the right speed and emotion, making our stories come alive. I will demonstrate reading a short text, paying attention to punctuation marks like commas and full stops, which help us know when to pause or stop.

Let’s read the following short text together: 'UThandiwe uthanda ukudlala emanzini. Uthanda ukufaka izicathulo ezimnandi.' As I read, listen for how I change my voice when I reach a question or an exclamation. Notice how I pause at commas and stop at full stops. After reading, we will discuss what the story is about and how it makes us feel.

Now, let’s split into small groups. Each group will receive a different short text. I want you to read your text aloud to each other, paying attention to punctuation. After reading, discuss with your group what the main idea of the text is and how the characters might feel. I will walk around to listen and help if needed.

For your independent practice, I want you to write three sentences about your favorite activity. Remember to use correct punctuation. For example, if you write, 'Ngiyathanda ukudlala ibhola,' make sure to end with a full stop. After writing, read your sentences aloud to a partner, focusing on your expression and fluency.

• Reading quickly without understanding
• Reading smoothly and with expression
• Reading only in silence
• Reading only difficult texts

Answer: Reading smoothly and with expression

Reading fluency involves reading a text smoothly and with the right expression, which helps convey the meaning.

• Full stop
• Comma
• Question mark
• Exclamation mark

Answer: Comma

A comma indicates a pause in reading, helping to separate ideas within a sentence.

Answer: Change your voice tone.

Changing your voice tone can help express different feelings and emotions while reading.

• Keep reading
• Pause and take a breath
• Skip to the next line
• Read faster

Answer: Pause and take a breath

At the end of a sentence, you should pause and take a breath to prepare for the next thought.

Answer: Playing soccer.

Students can share any activity they enjoy, which helps them practice writing and speaking.

• To impress others
• To make the story more interesting
• To read faster
• To avoid mistakes

Answer: To make the story more interesting

Reading with expression helps engage listeners and makes the story more enjoyable.

Answer: Question mark.

A question mark is used at the end of a question to indicate that an answer is expected.