Literature indicates that there is a national outcry about learners who read below the required levels and that poor matriculation results are, in part, due to the low levels of learners’ reading skills. The focus of this study is reading difficulties experienced by learners in the Foundation Phase in inclusive schools in Makapanstad. The researcher used a qualitative method for the study. The case study research design was adopted for the study. Three schools in Makapanstad were sampled for the study. Empirical investigation was conducted through literature study, observations, interviews and document analysis. There is a worldwide concern with regard to learners’ low reading levels. The study explores the extensive models, methods and theories on reading, the strategies that could be used to teach reading in the Foundation Phase to alleviate or improve reading difficulties experienced by learners, as well as the findings and recommendations towards minimising the reading difficulties in primary schools. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

The diploma thesis deals with the teaching of the first reading focused on the Genetic method. It is divided into theoretical and research part. The theoretical part contains an overview of currently used methods of teaching reading. The Genetic method is described from the historical and present point of view. Also included are an overview of available textbooks for teaching this method. Also it deals with the basic features of reading performance, with the reading level of pupils through diagnostic examinations and with working with lagging readers. The research part deals with the analysis of reading level of pupils of the 1st - 3rd year of the Genetic method. The analysis was performed using diagnostic examinations, which were recorded and subsequently analyzed on the basis of basic reading characters. The research is focused primarily on mistakes against the qualities of reading, which are detailed and compared.