Case Study
Simran is 5 and has just started school. She speaks very little to adults or children during the day and seems to be struggling with the phonics scheme. You have noticed that Simran is always collected by her mother and grandmother who both speak in Punjabi with Simran. Although you do not understand Punjabi your quick observations suggest that she is fluent in the language.
When you try to speak with Mum about Simran’s reluctance to speak when in school you discover that Mum’s use of English appears limited.
- What may be the reason for Simran’s apparent difficulties understanding the phonics scheme?
- What could you suggest to Simran’s parents and family that would enable them to support Simran’s emergent literacy at home?
- What resources can you find that would help you to support Simran and her parents?
It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.
