ABSTRACT 

This study sought to find the factors causing poor performance in English among grade two learners and the effects this could have in teaching and learning. This research study was qualitative in nature. Data generating instruments included interview and observation guides as well as document analysis. These instruments were chosen because they allowed the researcher to get immediate feedback and non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, voice projection and tone could be noted. They also enabled the researcher to get „live‟ data as it were recorded spontaneously as it occurred on the spot, making the research study more reliable. Data were presented in tables and thematically analysed. Lack of qualified and experienced teachers, inadequate teaching and learning resources as well as students‟ negative attitudes were found to be some of the factors causing poor performance in English among grade two students. The researcher recommends that heads of schools should ensure that grade two students are taught by qualified and experienced teachers who are infant trained. Teachers should use and motivate students through I.C.T tools such as computers, magazines, audio players, video recorders as well as the internet in their teaching as these assist in capturing and maintaining the students' attention. Furthermore, students should own their learning and work hard to perform better