# The UDM has welcomed the Department of Basic Education’s 2026 Foundation Phase National Catalogue, saying it could strengthen reading outcomes for Grades One to Three. UDM chairperson, Yongama Zigebe says increasing the number of reading books from 12 to 40 per class, with a core reader for every learner, is a meaningful improvement. However, he says the catalogue will only succeed if learners have the correct books when schools reopen in 2027, teachers are supported, and reading fluency and comprehension improve:
UDM welcomes new Foundation Phase reading catalogue [SOUND]
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