Sinhala is the native language of the majority of the population. In the first grade, the focus is on building foundational language skills in Sinhala, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Children are introduced to the Sinhala alphabet (Sinhala Akuru), basic vocabulary, and simple sentence structures. Activities often include:
- Learning and practicing the Sinhala letters (both vowels and consonants).
- Recognizing and writing simple words and sentences.
- Listening to and reciting poems, rhymes, and songs in Sinhala.
- Storytelling sessions to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
- Drawing and coloring activities related to Sinhala lessons to make learning engaging.
- Developing oral communication through interactive activities.
The curriculum is designed to make learning enjoyable and to establish a strong foundation for future language development. Teachers use a combination of traditional teaching methods, visual aids, and play-based learning techniques to ensure students grasp the basics effectively.