Influence of Mother Tongue Usage on Acquisition of Literary Skills among Pupils in Rural ECDE Centres in Kenya

Description

This book highlights issues related to using the mother tongue in acquiring literacy skills among pupils in ECDE centres in Kenya. It discusses teacher presentation skills of mother tongue usage, instructional materials used in learning the mother tongue, teacher’s attitudes towards mother tongue usage and parental involvement in mother tongue usage to promote the acquisition of literacy skills in rural early childhood development education centres. The author presented the chapters systematically to show how teachers can understand the importance of using the mother tongue in teaching learners and easily acquire literacy skills in the second language. Parents can also understand the importance of teaching their children to use their mother tongue in doing their homework and assignment. Making policies that make mother tongue usage compulsory for ECDE can improve teacher presentation skills and provide adequate instructional materials for learning the mother tongue. There will also be improvements in teachers’ attitudes towards mother tongue usage. Children can acquire literacy skills easily when taught using their mother tongue in early childhood learning in a classroom set-up compared to using a second language directly. The medium of instruction in a child’s formative years is crucial as it offers many advantages that ensure a smooth transition from home to the school environment for young learners joining the school for the first time.

Everlyne Chebet is a holder of a Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Kisii University. She holds an M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Planning (Kisii University) and a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary Option) from Moi University. She holds certifications and licenses in Pedagogy, Academic, Advising and Critical Thinking Training from Egerton University. She is currently a Lecturer in the School of Education at Kisii University, Kenya. She has involved herself in rehabilitating street and orphaned children at Kaptagat Children’s Home. She also engages in guidance and counselling in schools and universities within the county. She is a member of the African Interdisciplinary Studies Association (AISA)-Inclusive Research and Development. She has published many journal articles, proceedings and book chapters.