To address scholastic barriers to learning by making the curriculum accessible and inclusive for all learners.
Learning Support in schools is provided according to the Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) levels. Learning Support Teachers provide supplementary teaching to learners who require additional support. They support learners in groups, either in the learners' classroom or on a withdrawal basis in the learning support room/classroom. Their work involves conducting scholastic assessments, planning and implementing effective teaching strategies, providing guidance to the School Based Support Team (SBST), liaising with staff, parents and other relevant stakeholders. They are closely linked with the District and may share duties with other Learning Support staff. These Learning Support Teachers are managed and supervised by the District Learning Support Coordinator and Learning Support Advisors that forms part of the District/Circuit Based Support Team (D/CBST).
It is about the inclusive strategies for better understanding 12 disabilities that are common in schools.
Each disability is linked to a month with an associated value.
The format for each month is the same: Disability, value, story, video link, activities for a month regarding the relevant disability. All have been worked out and explained with answers for the teacher included.
The early identification of barriers to learning, improvement of reading, writing, comprehension and critical thinking forms part of the foundation for Language and Mathematics.
The Reading Scholarship Accredited Course, offered by the University of Stellenbosch in Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa, has been designed to empower teachers with the skills in Emergent Literacy, Foundation Phase Literacy, Intermediate Phase Literacy and Senior Phase Literacy.
Learning Support Staff trained in this course are strengthened in their capacity to render support to learners in the above mentioned priority areas. The resources provided, methodologies learnt and the support sessions they receive during this training capacitates them to assist teachers with learners in Grades R-7 who experience challenges with reading and writing.
LitPro is a balanced programme that focuses on the reading and writing skills and strategies needed to read with understanding in the Senior Phase.
The texts and text types used in LitPro are those that appear in learner textbooks, therefore aiding in reading across the curriculum. Scaffolding techniques are used to enhance the reading process, assisting learners to a better understanding of content knowledge.
LitPro was launched in 2019 when a number of Learning Support Teachers and Learning Support Advisors from various Districts were trained in the programme. This reading intervention programme is currently being implemented by Learning Support Teachers and Learning Support Advisors in a number of schools within the Western Cape Education Department.
The LitPro programme and resources are offered in both English and Afrikaans. Click here or on the Lit Pro icon (left) to access resources.
Music For Movement can effectively be used to support learners who experience barriers to learning. The rhythmic sounds of the music coupled with movement aids with improving memory, cognitive development and ability, learning skills, self-esteem, mood and ultimately the development of the physical self. Music For Movement creates the opportunity for learners to develop their own individual needs while simultaneously having fun during the lessons taught.
Click on the image (left) to access types of music that assists with the development of the holistic learner.