Sesotho Home Language - Term 3 - Week 8

Phonics is the relationship between sounds and their written symbols. In Sesotho, understanding phonics helps us read and write better. Today, we will focus on the sounds of letters and how they combine to form words. For example, the sound 'b' can be combined with 'a' to make 'ba', which means 'to go'.

Let's look at the word 'ntate' (father). We can break it down into sounds: 'n', 't', 'a', 't', 'e'. Now, if we change the first sound to 'm', we get 'motate' (uncle). This shows how changing one sound can create a new word. Let's practice this with other words like 'molemo' (good) and 'molekane' (friend).

Now, let's work together to create sentences. I will give you a word, and you will help me form a sentence. For example, if I say 'pula' (rain), you might say, 'Pula e na le metsi' (The rain brings water). Remember to use capital letters at the beginning and a full stop at the end of your sentences. Let's try with the word 'litsela' (roads).

For your independent practice, I want you to choose three words from our phonics lesson today. Write each word down and then create a sentence for each. Make sure to check your sentences for correct punctuation and spacing. After you finish, share your sentences with a partner and discuss their meanings.

• Mother
• Father
• Brother
• Sister

Answer: Father

'Ntate' is the Sesotho word for 'father'.

• B
• M
• T
• N

Answer: M

The letter 'm' makes the sound 'm'.

Answer: Pula e na le metsi.

This sentence means 'The rain brings water'.

• .
• ,
• !
• ?

Answer: .

A full stop (.) is used to end a sentence.

• Mokhoro
• Ntate
• Mokete
• Mokhanya

Answer: Ntate

'Ntate' is one of the words we focused on in our lesson.

Answer: Good

'Molemo' translates to 'good' in English.

• With a small letter
• With a capital letter
• With a number
• With a symbol

Answer: With a capital letter

Sentences always start with a capital letter.

Answer: Motate

Changing the first sound from 'n' to 'm' gives us 'motate', which means 'uncle'.