How To Teach Afrikaans FAL Creatively In Modern Times

Cecile Smith, author of Woemaboeke and seasoned Afrikaans FAL teacher has more than 25 years of teaching experience. She shares six ways to motivate your Afrikaans FAL class:

1. Use visual cues

Research has shown that visual elements help to learn new concepts and to motivate learners. The Woemaboeke series is printed in full colour. The Woema-series also has posters available that can visually enhance your classroom with illustrated idioms, language rules, etc. in Afrikaans.

2. Be relevant to their world

Learners are more comfortable chatting about a subject that they like. Smith mentions that she has put a lot of thought into each theme of the Woema range. Themes like “Dis my storie” (This is my story), “Boelies” (Bullies) and “Ek kan my eie geld spaar…” (I can save my own money) are all bound to get your learners chatting!

3. Make Afrikaans FAL fun

Your learners need to look forward to their Afrikaans FAL class! An anxious learner cannot learn and remember new words or concepts. Smith uses creativity throughout the Woemaboeke to keep both learners and educators engaged. Throughout the Woema-series, you will find word games, word searches and other creative icebreakers to get all your learners to speak Afrikaans. These icebreakers will help your learners feel more comfortable. It is easier to speak an additional language in a relaxed environment. The more learners practice speaking Afrikaans, the more confident they will become.

4. Learners must write and speak Afrikaans

Take small steps. Learners will become nervous to speak if they are not armed with the right tools to do so. Write keywords on the board and ask learners to form sentences with the words. If you are using the STOMPI-rule, make sure your learners understand the acronym. The interesting speech topics at the end of each theme give learners a chance to speak. This is only after the learner had enough exposure to the topic.

5. Simplify the way language structures are taught

Language theory is important as learners are ultimately tested for their grammar in their final exams. Woemaboeke follows the same pattern from Grade 4 to Grade 12. Each theme starts with vocabulary that needs to be learned well. After the introduction of each new language concept, questions follow. These questions are answered directly in the workbooks.

6. Revise, revise, revise!

Learning a new language can be overwhelming. It is key that your learners revise what they have been taught. Teach your learners vocabulary at the start of each section in the Woema, for example, and let your class revise the words again at the end.

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