Formal Writing Task 2: Critiquing of a Language Lesson

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji70h3ABIu8

1. Name the content area from which the topic of this lesson was selected.
(2 marks)
The content area for the lesson is Literacy. Specifically, it focuses on early reading
skills and phonics.

2. What was the topic of the lesson?

(2 marks)
The topic of the lesson was Daily Letter - Sound and Phonical Awareness. The focus
is on enhancing early literacy skills, particularly in recognizing letter and sounds and
developing phonological awareness.

3. Name and explain two different assessment strategies that the teacher used in
her lesson.
(4 marks)
• Oral Responses: The teacher examines learners’ comprehension by having
them verbally identify and repeat letter sounds. This technique assesses
pupils’ ability to recognise and associate sounds with letters.

• Observation of Participation: The teacher monitors how learners interact with

the activities, such as blending sounds or identifying sounds in words.
Monitoring their participation allows her to analyse individual success and
opportunities for improvement in a less formal, more engaging setting.

4. You mentioned the content area from which this topic was selected in question
one.
Which other content area from Languages did the teacher integrate into her
language
lesson? Provide an explanation for your answer.
(4 marks)
The phonological awareness lesson was combined with Speaking and Listening from
the Languages curriculum area by the teacher. This is clear from the activities, which
require kids to repeat words and sounds they hear as well as give spoken
responses. The teacher builds students’ oral language skills, which are essential for
the development of phonological awareness and literacy, by promoting vocal
engagement and active listening. In the early stages of language acquisition, these
abilities are crucial for developing a solid comprehension of words, sounds, and
communication.

5. Write down three strengths and three weaknesses of the lesson you viewed.
(6 marks)
Strengths
1. Interactive Engagement: The lesson consists of exercises that require students to
actively participate and pay attention.

2. Key Literacy Skills: It addresses fundamental early literacy abilities that are critical
to the development of reading, including as phonological awareness and letter-sound
recognition.

3. Multisensory Approach: By utilising both visual and aural clues, this approach
accommodates a variety of learning preferences and promotes improved
comprehension and retention.

Weaknesses
(6 marks)
1. Limited Differentiation: Students with varying learning abilities could not receive
enough variation in the session.

2. Pacing Issues: Depending on their level of proficiency, some students may find the
tempo to be either too fast or too sluggish.
3. Minimal Feedback: To help encourage improvements or reinforce correct
responses, the course could benefit from more immediate and tailored feedback.

6. How did the teacher introduce her lesson? Was her choice effective? Motivate
your answer.
(5 marks)
In order to get the students’ attention on sound identification right away, the instructor
started her class with a letter-sound recognition exercise. She made sure the
students understood the assignment by providing clear directions and examples.
This method worked well because it gave students a hands-on experience in the
classroom and laid the groundwork for future learning. She emphasised the lesson’s
goal and gave students an opportunity to practise phonological awareness right
away by beginning with an interactive exercise.

7. Identify any four charts, posters or other resources visible in the classroom.
(4 marks)
• Alphabet Charts: To help reinforce letter-sound relationships, letters are
displayed with related visuals.
• Word Walls: These are little words that the pupils are practicing sounding out
and reading.
• Phonics Posters: Illustrative tools that display blends or clusters of letters
(such as “ch,” “sh,” or “th”).
• Sound Charts: These show various phonemes together with words that
contain those sounds.

For visual reinforcement during reading lessons, these resources work well.

8. Name one resource used in the lesson and identify during which phase of the
lesson
this resource was used.
(4 marks)
Alphabet Chart is one resource that could be used in the lesson. This tool is usually
used in the introduction phase of the session, when the instructor presents letter
sounds and asks the class to identify them both audibly and graphically. This chart is
a useful tool for getting pupils interested straight away because it helps emphasise
the relationship between letters and their related sounds.
9. Choose three resources (different to the one mentioned above) that were used
during the lesson and explain whether each resource was used effectively or not.
Give a reason why you feel each one was or was not used effectively.
(9 marks)
RESOURCE EFFECTIVE OR REASON
INEFFECTIVE
1. Phonics Poster Effectively They visually reinforce
phonetics sounds, helping
learners connect sounds
with letters in a
memorable way.
2. Sound Charts Effectively These charts provide
clear examples of
phonemes, facilitating
learners' understanding
and application during
sound identification
activities
3. Interactive Games or Ineffective If not well-intergrated or
Activities paced, some learners
may struggle to
participate fully, limiting
engagement and learning
outcomes.

10. Do you think the teacher directed and taught or facilitated this lesson? Justify
your answer.
(4 marks)
Instead of leading the class, the teacher mostly facilitated it. She gave her students
dynamic exercises that promoted involvement and teamwork and gave them the
chance to actively investigate phonological awareness. Rather to just having pupils
absorb material from the teacher, this method creates a supportive learning
atmosphere where students can build their understanding through practical activities.
The harmony between student-led inquiry and instruction points to a facilitative
teaching approach that fosters independence and self-assurance in basic reading
abilities.
Total 50 marks