Empowering Deaf learners through literacy and language development

Intermediate Phase

Grade 4

Going to the Audiologist

Almost every school-going deaf child has his/her own story (or indeed stories) of their ‘visit/s to the audiologist’. Given that learners can thus strongly associate with undergoing hearing tests, it is important for them to also understand the meaning of the processes involved, as well as the vocabulary that it entails.
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The Athletics Day +
(Poem included)

The school week could barely end better for Bongi: with her birthday which has just passed and the athletics day lying ahead, her spirits are high. Until her birthday present gets the better of her and she learns a costly lesson from it…
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A Drama Festival Nightmare

Sabelo is initially very excited about the upcoming drama festival. This feeling, however, changes with a bad dream… A short story about fears and how they influence our actions.
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Nelson Mandela

South Africa is proud of the influence and remarkable legacy of Madiba, the Father of Democracy in our country. Deaf learners should also have an understanding of this legend. A brief version of his life story is told here.
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A Rainy Day

Dave and George are keeping busy indoors on a cold, rainy winter’s day. When Dad comes home, each is given a chore. Find out which of the two boys helps diligently and who is lazy.
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Sifiso’s Magic Power

The story of Sifiso begins on a down-cast tone, but is eventually resolved in a surprising manner. Familiar vocabulary is supplemented with new words in this imaginative story.
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Bruno and The Bone Thief

This text teaches learners how to follow, execute and give instructions, in the form of directions. First, an imaginative tale is provided and, thereafter, a short instructional text (in the form of a dialogue) that relates content-wise to the tale.
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The Boys

This story is about a group of boys whose desire to play soccer almost lands them in big trouble –the only thing that saves them is a kind-hearted adult who is prepared to consider the reasons why the boys acted the way they did. Learners should find the element of surprise in this truly South African story enjoyable.
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A Visit to the Library

The text centres around a brother and a sister who know on what amazing journeys of imagination stories can take one. They visit the town library with their mom, and every book that they open takes them on a new adventure. This text requires the readers to use their imagination and to join the journey to the unknown and unexpected.
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Serapana

This story is about a keen gardener, Serapana, who grows vegetables with her animal friends. The themes addressed are friendship, team work, hard work and problem solving.
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Helen Keller

The remarkable life story of deaf-blind Helen Keller remains inspiring and hope-filled, not only for the Deaf and the blind, but also for hearing and seeing people. Deaf learners will be able to identify with some of the challenges Helen had to face, and develop perspective regarding barriers to learning which exist beyond their immediate context.
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You are Deaf like Me

This poem is about a Deaf parent’s view on his/her Deaf child. Some families find it difficult to accept the fact that their child is Deaf, whereas other families feel proud of having a Deaf child. And, at times, one person can experience both these emotions…
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Deaf Child in a Hearing Family

Reasons for deafness are varied and it is important for Deaf children to be knowledgeable about their deafness. In this regard the family of the Deaf child plays an important role. Different Deaf children may experience their life at home in different ways. This becomes very apparent when comparing the experiences of a Deaf child from a hearing family to that of a Deaf child from a Deaf family.
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The New Baby

This drama is about a young girl sharing her excitement about the future arrival of her baby brother/sister, and a classmate’s unexpected reaction towards what she shares with him. The theme of meanness by means of verbal bullying is indirectly addressed, but the main theme is empathy.
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The Weather Forecast

In this lesson, learners are exposed to the specific literary conventions used in an information text. It is important for learners to be knowledgeable about both the geography of our country and the visual language used in a weather forecast recording.
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How to make a Vegetable Soup

Through this text, learners are taught how to prepare a meal in a practical step-by-step manner. By carefully following the instructions in the recipe provided, the whole class can enjoy this warm, nutritious autumn dish.
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How to make a beaded bracelet

A text on how to bead a simple bracelet by using the necessary items and following instructions correctly. The instructions can also easily be followed by learners in class so that each child can create their own bracelet.
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Handmade Bird Feeder

This text contains instructions for making a bird feeder. The steps are clear and simple, and the DVD can be used as an example for learners to create their own instructions for a different craft activity. The fact that the bird feeder is made by using a milk carton also offers opportunities to discuss recycling in and around the home.
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The News

A fictional news report in Sign Language. Topics touched on may be familiar to learners. The formal and neutral language mode can be focussed on, as well as the usage of facts and information-rich sentences.
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Two Oceans Aquarium

The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town not only boasts very informative and interactive displays, but is also designed in a child- and family friendly manner. As an introduction to the aquarium and some of the life kept within it, learners will be reminded of the precious fauna and flora that our country...
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An Energy Drink

Energy drinks are associated with sport and adventure. Nevertheless, these products present various dangers to one’s health. This lesson can be applied to investigate these harms. In addition, learners are exposed to the specific conventions associated with marketing texts.
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