African Language Readers and Storybooks
High-quality African language Graded Readers and Storybooks, Anthologies, Classroom Libraries, Big Books and Worksheets for Foundation Phase learners.
Graded Readers
Graded readers, tailored specifically for Foundation Phase learners, are available in nine African languages. These readers adhere to a well-structured phonics-based approach, designed to progressively enhance the reading fluency and comprehension abilities of young learners.
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Storybooks
A diverse collection of fiction and non-fiction storybooks has been created in 11 languages, adding English and a limited number of isiMpondo in addition to the nine indigenous languages featured in the Graded Readers. These storybooks are for all early literacy children, regardless of their grade – crafted to promote reading proficiency and nurture a curiosity for learning.
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Collections
The Ulwazi Lwethu reading materials also include carefully organised Anthologies and Classroom Libraries.
Anthologies
A cost-effective solution that consolidates selected books into single volumes, alleviating printing and storage challenges.
Classroom Libraries
Curated collections fiction and non-fiction storybooks, that also include supportive resources.
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Big Books
Designed for shared reading sessions, following the prescribed CAPS Foundation Phase methodology. These books feature enlarged text and accompanying pictures, allowing all students to see and engage with the content.
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Worksheets
Graded readers are accompanied by worksheets, motivating learners to reread and comprehend the text. These worksheets foster engaging and educational interactions with the stories. The worksheets are aligned with CAPS, DBE workbooks, published worksheets, and draw from decades of teaching experience.
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For Educators
Ulwazi Lwethu readers and learning resources provide valuable support to teachers. Aligned with the latest research in African language literacy teaching, the graded readers systematically improve reading fluency and comprehension skills. Accompanying worksheets engage learners in constructing meaning from texts. The diverse collections, including Big Books, Anthologies, and Classroom Libraries, support various teaching methodologies and foster independent reading. Bilingual Teacher Guides offer comprehensive guidance and detailed instructions on the usage and benefits of each reading resource.
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For Parents
Ulwazi Lwethu Storybooks offer parents resources for young learners to learn to read for meaning in their mother tongue through captivating and culturally resonant stories, designed to facilitate language learning, build vocabulary and reading engagement. A Parent Guide, available in all Ulwazi Lwethu languages, assists caregivers in choosing appropriate storybooks and provides guidance on effectively using them with a child/children at an early literacy level, regardless of their Grade. These resources empower parents and caregivers to support their children's language development and overall learning journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can search for material by using the filtering function to search for Type, Language, Level or Theme of resources you require. You can also use the top search bar navigation to search by keywords.
Search Reading ResourcesThe Ulwazi Lwethu reading materials include levelled Graded Readers, fiction and non-fiction Storybooks carefully organised collections of Big Books, Anthologies and Classroom Libraries. Graded Readers are accompanied by Worksheets, motivating learners to reread and comprehend the text. Bilingual Teacher Guides offer comprehensive guidance and detailed instructions on the usage and benefits of each reading resource. A Parent Guide, available in all Ulwazi Lwethu languages, assists caregivers in selecting appropriate storybooks and provides guidance on effectively utilising them with Grade 1 to 3 learners.
Know more about Reading ResourcesUlwazi Lwethu graded readers are categorised in five sequenced levels. The Ulwazi Lwethu readers and storybooks are designed to provide learners with reading materials that range from very easy to more complex and challenging.
For Graded Readers the levels start at Level 1 for use in Grade 1 Term 1 and increase in difficulty to Levels 4 and 5 which are suitable for more capable readers in the same grade or a higher grade. Each grade has levelled readers to support differentiated reading skill levels.
The storybooks have also been developed with increasing levels of difficulty starting with First Words for new readers, to longer sentences as reading improves, to First Paragraphs that has more complex texts and stories for more capable readers.
Levels explainedAny of the Ulwazi Lwethu Project Partners can assist you. You will be able to talk through what your needs are, and which books best meet your needs – whether you are a teacher, Provincial or District official or a caregiver of children.
Contact a PartnerYes, Ulwazi Lwethu readers and storybooks have been assessed, quality assured and evaluated by the University of Pretoria’s Department of Early Childhood Literacy. Furthermore, the Project is endorsed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). All material is CAPS aligned.
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