Setswana First Additional Language - Term 3 - Week 8

Today, we will explore the sounds of Setswana letters and how they combine to form words. Phonics is important because it helps us read and write better. We will practice saying the sounds of different letters and then use those sounds to build words. For example, the letter 'b' makes the sound /b/, and when we add 'a' and 't', we can form the word 'bat'.

Let's look at the word 'motswana'. We can break it down into sounds: /m/, /o/, /t/, /s/, /w/, /a/, /n/, /a/. By saying each sound slowly, we can blend them together to say the whole word. Now, let’s try another word: 'ntwa' (fight). Can you identify the sounds in 'ntwa'? Yes, they are /n/, /t/, /w/, /a/. Great job!

Now, I will give you some letters, and I want you to work in pairs to create as many words as you can. The letters are: 'm', 'a', 't', 's', 'o'. Remember to sound out each letter and blend them together. After 5 minutes, we will share the words you created. Make sure to write your words down and check your spelling!

For your independent practice, I want you to write three sentences using the words you built earlier. Make sure to use correct punctuation at the end of each sentence. For example, if you wrote the word 'motswana', you could say, 'Motswana o a itlhophela.' (The Setswana person chooses.) After you finish, read your sentences to a partner.

• /b/
• /m/
• /t/

Answer: /b/

The letter 'b' makes the /b/ sound.

• bat
• cat
• dog

Answer: bat

We built the word 'bat' using the sounds we practiced.

Answer: Ntwa e a tshwana.

This sentence means 'The fight is similar.'

• 5
• 7
• 6

Answer: 7

The word 'motswana' has 7 distinct sounds.

• .
• ,
• !

Answer: .

A period (.) is used to indicate the end of a sentence.

Answer: /m/

The first sound in 'motswana' is /m/.

• itlhophela
• ntwa
• motswana

Answer: itlhophela

'Itlhophela' means 'to choose' in Setswana.

Answer: sat

The word 'sat' is formed by blending the sounds of the letters.