The graded readers can be used for shared, group, guided, paired and independent reading. This reading
practice will develop skills such as phonic awareness, word recognition, comprehension, vocabulary and
fluency. The readers provide multiple opportunities for guided practice in phonic decoding and look-and-say
strategies.
Humour is an important feature of many of the stories. Several texts include facts about
animals, people in the community, places in our environment, and South Africa. Stories encourage
self-reflection, critical thinking and problem-solving.
Stages of reading development
Every child moves through each stage of reading development at their own pace, when he or she is ready. Children cannot be rushed or pushed through these stages. The way learners progress as readers is based on their individual ability and experience, not their age or grade level.
- Early Emergent Vula Bula Level 1: 1-star readers
- Early Emergent Plus Vula Bula Level 1: 2-star readers
- Emergent Vula Bula Level 1: 3-star readers
- Early Fluent Vula Bula Level 1: 4-star readers
- Early Fluent Plus Vula Bula Level 1: 5-star readers
- Fluent Vula Bula Level 3: all readers
How to use Vula Bula readers in your class
Grade 1:
It is recommended that all Grade 1 learners begin with the 1-star (*) books. At their own individual pace, they will then move on to the 2-star books, etc. Grade 1 learners who are progressing rapidly should be allowed to continue further.
Grade 2:
Most Grade 2 learners can begin with the 3-star (***) books. At their own individual pace, they will then move on to the 4-star books, etc. It may however be necessary for some Grade 2 learners to begin with the 2-star readers or even the 1-star readers if they are in need of remediation.
How to order Vula Bula graded readers hard copies
Grade 1 and 2:
You will need to order enough copies of each title so that learners can all begin at the correct level. For example:
If you have 40 children in your Grade 1 class and you are reading in isiZulu, then you only need to purchase four copies of each 1-star title. If you reading Sesotho, then you will need to purchase five copies of each 1-star title to have enough readers for everyone to begin, as there are ten titles at this level.
* A5 size is 15cm x 21cm