Sesotho First Additional Language - Term 2 - Week 5

Reading fluency is the ability to read a text smoothly and with expression. This week, we will focus on reading short texts aloud, paying attention to punctuation marks like commas and full stops. Understanding these marks helps us know when to pause and when to stop, making our reading sound more natural.

Let's read the following sentence together: 'The cat sat on the mat.' Notice how we pause at the full stop. Now, let's add expression: 'The cat sat on the mat!' Can you hear the excitement in my voice? This is how we can make our reading more engaging.

In groups, choose a short text from the reading corner. Each student will take turns reading a sentence aloud. Pay attention to punctuation and try to express the emotions in the text. After reading, discuss as a group what the text was about and how the punctuation helped convey the meaning.

Now, it's your turn to write! Create three sentences about your favorite animal. Make sure to use correct punctuation. For example, 'The dog is very playful.' After writing, read your sentences aloud to a partner, focusing on fluency and expression.

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

Answer: Reading smoothly with expression

Reading fluency involves reading a text smoothly and with the right expression, making it easier to understand.

Answer: Comma

A comma indicates a brief pause in reading, helping to clarify the meaning of sentences.

• The bird sings loudly
• The bird sings loudly.
• The bird sings loudly!
• The bird sings loudly?

Answer: The bird sings loudly.

The correct sentence ends with a full stop, indicating the end of a statement.

Answer: It makes the reading more interesting.

Using expression helps convey emotions and keeps the listener engaged.

• Read faster
• Pause and take a breath
• Skip to the next sentence
• Change your voice

Answer: Pause and take a breath

A full stop indicates the end of a sentence, so you should pause before continuing.

Answer: My favorite food is pizza.

This sentence is a simple statement that expresses a personal preference.

• To end a sentence
• To separate items in a list
• To start a sentence
• To make a sentence longer

Answer: To separate items in a list

Commas are used to separate items in a list, making the sentence clearer.