3.6 Jaime's diary

English home language

Jaime’s diary

Educator section

Memorandum

For the educator:

The ICS modules for Grade 3 encourage learners to do extensive reading, both fiction and non-fiction. They are given frequent opportunities to write and develop their vocabulary and language use. These developing skills are supported by techniques and strategies to develop phonic awareness. Word recognition and comprehension skills are practised and phonics systematically introduced and consolidated.

The learning outcomes for Grade 3 are purposefully integrated to enable learners to write about texts which they have listened to, discussed and read.

The topics chosen for the modules are of interest to the Grade 3 learner, within their range of experience and other learning areas, namely, Life Orientation and Mathematics are well integrated.

Learners in Grade 3 use their communication skills more effectively and given the opportunity, these can overcome social, cultural and language boundaries. They become more sensitive to the needs of everyone around them.

All aspects of language learning as described in the learning outcomes and assessment standards for Grade 3 have been covered in these eight ICS modules. By reinforcing, consolidating and applying these supported by the Critical and Developmental Outcomes, the learners will be able to think and reason in their home language.

Time scheduled for the modules

All learners should work through all eight modules as the phonics and cursive writing requirements are spread over these modules. The educator should however allow learners to complete them at their own pace namely ± two modules per term.

This module begins with a piece of factual writing to read about “Diaries”. We read Jaime’s diary telling us about her feelings regarding her family. She tells us how unselfish her mother was and how she appreciated her mother’s help. She tries to live out these qualities and finds it most satisfying.

Activities involve discussing proverbs, opposites and dividing words into syllables. Learners are asked to keep their own diaries for four days and to discuss these with the class.

• Writing: Learners practise difficult cursive letters.
• Phonics: Words with “ ir ”, “ er ” and “ ur ”; words with silent letters “ b ”, “ k ”, “ w ” and “ t ” are taught in context.

Integration of themes

• Human rights

Children have the right to a happy childhood surrounded by loving family. This however does not always happen. There are reasons why some families are not happy.

• Social Justice

Jaime’s diary makes learners aware of people who are lonely, have no friends and especially orphans who have no family. They should also know that they can rely on parents to help them.

Leaner section

Content

Diaries

• Read.
• Discuss words you don’t understand.

Diaries are usually very personal. The writer often writes his or her thoughts and describes his or her feelings, knowing that these will not be read by anyone else. That is why diaries give us a very clear picture of the writer; of the feelings, the thoughts and motives for his or her actions. The writer also writes about the relationships between friends and family.