English for Fun

Exposure to English happens at these three levels with regard to this syllabus/book:

1. Exposure to story books in English:

(This is based on the belief that the nurseries and ELACs will have some good picture story books in the English language. Even if they don’t, at least this book will be available, in hard or digital form.)

Even if the children can’t read them or the adult facilitator cannot read English, just letting them have a chance of touching/looking at them, turning the pages and seeing English letters, enjoying the pictures in them, will give them a sense of familiarity with the wonder and beauty of storybooks.

2. Story-telling:

The children or the adult with them can play the recorded fairy tales that accompany the words found in this book.  This will give them a chance to hear the language, even as they look at the words on the page.  The level may be too high for some – but that shouldn’t be a problem if the story is also related to them in their mother tongue.  In all instances this book is used, there will be Sinhala and Tamil translations also made available for the adult who is with the child.  She or he can read out the story, or narrate it in their own words, in the child’s native tongue before or after it is played in English, in case the adult cannot read English. In some cases, the child her/himself will be able to read the translation.

3. Nursery Rhymes and Songs:

The songs should be enjoyed simply for the music and the actions that accompany them.  The idea is for the children to have fun.