LOWER PRIMARY CLASSES
AGE 6 - 8 YEARS - CLASS SIZE 15-20
Class Overview
The learners from pre-school year 2 join lower primary in grade 1 at about 6 years of age and spend 3 years in this part of Early Years Education before exiting to upper primary at the end of grade 3.
SUBJECTS
- Literacy
- Kiswahili Language Activities
- English Language Activities
- Mathematical Activities
- Environmental Activities
- Hygiene and Nutrition Activities
- Religious Education Activities
- Movement and Creative Activities
Lower Primary Curriculum
Literacy is the ability to read, write and use language proficiently. According to UNESCO, literacy is a basic human right. Literacy as a subject address the ability of the learner to make meaning of letters and sounds thus making sense of written codes.
At this foundational level, literacy aims at equipping the learner with basic skills in reading and writing to aid in all other Subjects. It assists the learner to communicate with others as well as promote learning to learn.
Kiswahili is the national language and one of the two official languages of communication in the country. Learners should be exposed to the language at the earliest possible time in their schooling.
English is one of the official languages of communication in Kenya. It is also the second highest spoken language globally. Learners are taught the foundational skills of reading and writing the English language at this stage.
Numeracy is a foundational skill that prepares the learner for number work and mathematics in higher levels of schooling. Numeracy activities involve identification and value placement of mathematical numerals as well as basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction and multiplication.
This is an integrated subject comprising science, social and agriculture activities. The learner is equipped with basic knowledge and skills for the exploration of the immediate environment as well as learning and enjoyment. This lays a foundation for sustainable development concepts that will be learned at a higher level of learning.
Hygiene and nutrition activities equip learners with the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes that promote a healthy lifestyle. The learner is given the ability to take care of their own well-being as well as that of others.
The learner is engaged in practical activities that promote healthy eating and hygiene practices that contribute to healthier lifestyles. Other topics covered include regular monitoring of growth, oral and dental health, immunization and de-worming.
This subject encompasses art, craft and physical education. The learner is equipped with basic knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to express themselves in creative and healthy ways. This is anchored in Dewey’s social constructivism theory which posits that learning should be experiential, participatory and arise from the learner’s interests.
The activity-based approach advocated in this subject aims at giving the learner an opportunity to think for themselves and articulate their thoughts through creativity and collaboration. This helps the learner to think for themselves and develop critical reflection skills.
