BOOKS READ

Teaching Life Skills in the Foundation Phase - Mariana Naude and Corinne Meier

Handbook for Grade R Teaching - R. Davis

HELP! I'm a student teacher: Skills development for teaching practice - ER du Toit, LP Louw and L Jacobs

Early Childhood Care and Education (0-4): A transdisciplinary approach - Adele Moodly (lead editor), Namhla Sotuku, Kim Schmidt, Nkidi Phatudi

O.B.E Teaching Toolboc : O.B.E Strategies, tools and techniques for implementing Curriculum 2005 - D. Kramer

teaching yourself: counselling - Aileen Milne 

 WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS

• Jolly Phonics Workshop hosted by Western Cape Education Department

• WCED Webinar on changing time allocation per subject in Foundation Phase classroom

• Creative Arts Workshop 

• International Diversity Discussion with Denmark

• COIL Coding and Robotics Project with College of Copenhagen

Reflection

Teaching children in Foundation Phase, is a complex and multifaceted endeavour that requires a deep understanding of child development and the diverse needs of students. One of the fundamental aspects to consider is how children learn. In these formative years, children are often highly curious and eager to explore the world around them. They learn best through hands-on experiences, play, and active engagement. Effective teachers should harness this innate curiosity, fostering a love for learning while balancing structured lessons with opportunities for self-directed exploration. It's essential to recognize that children at this stage of development have varying learning styles, and a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to be effective. Thus, educators must be adept at differentiating instruction to meet the unique needs of each child.

Classroom management is another critical aspect of teaching in this grade. Young students may struggle with impulse control and attention span, making it crucial for teachers to create a well-structured, safe, and nurturing environment. Establishing clear expectations and routines can help children feel secure and facilitate smoother transitions between activities. Moreover, building positive relationships with students and promoting social and emotional learning can contribute to a harmonious classroom atmosphere. In addition to teaching academic content, educators play a vital role in modeling appropriate behavior and conflict resolution skills, which are essential for a child's overall development.

The influences of context on teaching are also noteworthy. Every classroom is unique, shaped by the cultural, socioeconomic, and individual backgrounds of its students. Teachers should be aware of these contextual factors and work to create an inclusive, culturally responsive, and equitable learning environment. Recognizing and addressing disparities in resources and opportunities is a critical challenge. Moreover, collaboration with parents and the broader community can enhance a child's educational experience. The support and involvement of families are invaluable in reinforcing what is learned in school, fostering a strong partnership between home and school, and ultimately promoting a child's success in their educational journey. In essence, teaching in this grade requires a comprehensive approach that considers the holistic development of each child, classroom management strategies, and the broader context in which education takes place.