Listening is the first and most important step in language acquisition. It is at the very core of learning a new language. When babies first learn their home language, they go through a "Silent Period". Although it may seem that babies are not "doing" anything, they are very busy listening and assimilating the phonetic features of the linguistic environment.
Similarly, when children learn an additional language, they also go through a "Silent Period". During this time it is essential that they are exposed to the language. Listening to a teacher speaking Afrikaans a couple of lessons a week is not enough for a child to develop a comprehensive understanding. Unfortunately, many children do not have the opportunity to hear Afrikaans in any other setting. Many parents either do not speak Afrikaans or if they do, they do not feel comfortable enough to speak Afrikaans. So what can parents do to help their child learn Afrikaans?
Introducing, Richelle Pretorius' Kinderstories (Children's Stories) YouTube Channel. I was thrilled when I discovered this channel as I have wanted to create a similar channel for years and have just never found the time. Richelle has recorded numerous videos that can be used to help children learn Afrikaans.
At present, Richelle's YouTube Channel consists of three playlists.
These are videos which cover basic Afrikaans vocabulary.
These are classic Disney stories read in Afrikaans.
This is a collection of short stories read in Afrikaans. There are no pictures and no English translations.
I use the Edufriends Afrikaans Reading Course Outline in Grade 3, as my focus is on extending their vocabulary. In Grades 4 and 5, I continue to use this playlist as well as the Ou Gunsteling Boeke in my regular Vocabulary and Reading Assignments posted on Google Classroom.
The Ou Gunsteling Boeke videos, however, are the main reason why I am writing this blog post. The playlist provides additional language learners with the resources needed to just "listen". As I mentioned, the playlist consists of classic Disney stories read in Afrikaans. Many children will most likely have heard these stories in English. As they know the stories they will be able to follow the story and this means that children can just "listen" and begin to assimilate the phonetic features of the Afrikaans language. They have the opportunity to experience that vital "Silent Period".
As children continue to listen to the stories, they should begin to read along which will enhance the learning experience. These stories are also beneficial for children who have a good understanding of the language. Once children have worked through the Ou Gunsteling Boeke videos, they can start listening to Oom Attie se Slaaptydstories.
For parents, Richelle Pretorius' Kinderstories YouTube Channel is a wonderful resource that takes very little effort other than actually finding the time for your child to listen. Now your children have a good reason to watch YouTube Videos.
The Ou Gunsteling Boeke videos, however, are the main reason why I am writing this blog post. The playlist provides additional language learners with the resources needed to just "listen". As I mentioned, the playlist consists of classic Disney stories read in Afrikaans. Many children will most likely have heard these stories in English. As they know the stories they will be able to follow the story and this means that children can just "listen" and begin to assimilate the phonetic features of the Afrikaans language. They have the opportunity to experience that vital "Silent Period".
As children continue to listen to the stories, they should begin to read along which will enhance the learning experience. These stories are also beneficial for children who have a good understanding of the language. Once children have worked through the Ou Gunsteling Boeke videos, they can start listening to Oom Attie se Slaaptydstories.
For parents, Richelle Pretorius' Kinderstories YouTube Channel is a wonderful resource that takes very little effort other than actually finding the time for your child to listen. Now your children have a good reason to watch YouTube Videos.
