SOMMA in samewerking met SAHomeschoolers.org en die Pestalozzi Trust
THE JOURNEY TO
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
Issue: 2 31 October 2019
4
FAMILY FOCUS Read about the amazing benefits of shared family meals
MINDFUL PHRASES TO USE AS CONFIDENCE BOOSTERS
CURRICULUM FOCUS Could the Eclectic approach to teaching be the perfect fit for your child?
MONEY MATTERS Can we afford homeschooling?
POSITIVE SELF-TALK Why positive self-talk is a crucial skill for your child to learn
Routes to Knowledge Roetes na Kennis
" tell me and I forget
teach me and I remember
involve me and I learn " BENJAMIN
FRANKLIN
Educational aspects of homeschooling Curriculum focus: Eclectic Education Home-school Cost
1 3
Regulating aspects Should Parents register for home-schooling
5
Life skills Mindful phrases to use as a confidence booster
7
Introducing positive self-talk
8
Maak jou kind gereed vir die arbeidsmark
10
How to prepare your child for the 21st century
11
Extra curricular Sosialisering
13
Support Around the table
15
Should I answer all my child's questions
16
10 Questions instead of "how are you?"
19
Edu-cat children at task
20
Social buzz Why I'm leaving teaching
22
Events Upcoming events
24
Quiz A chick in its egg
25
TNETNOC
Business focus
1
EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF HOMESCHOOLING
Overview
AN ECLECTIC APPROACH TO HOME EDUCATION
CURRICULUM FOCUS
The emphasis of Uncapped is to remove the veil over the educator as well as the child, so that the child can reach their true potential in a spiritual sense too. Parents should be enabled to be truly capable. Responsible parents must believe that God has sacredly equipped them for their task, because they love their children and want to bring them to true maturity. Teachers with the same ethos to care for the child, love the subject and grow the child to maturity, and for whom teaching is not a job but a calling, who believe in “the training of human souls”, are not freely available.
The
Eclectic
education customize
approach
allows their
the
curriculum
to
home
parent to
suit
to their
A set curriculum presents a “one size fits all”
solution
to
education,
but
I’m
sure
many teachers and parents have noticed
child’s needs by drawing resources from
that each child is an individual who learns
different sources, and by using different
differently and matures cognitively
approaches to how
at their own pace.
content is taught. The great advantage of taking an eclectic
"THIS APPROACH ALLOWS THE PARENT TO CUSTOMIZE THEIR CHILD'S CURRICULUM..."
approach to a child’s education, is that a parent relevant
can by
make
their
allowing
their
interests
they
are,
and
rather
the
to
than
child’s child
meet trying
them into a precast mould.
learning to
follow
them
where
to
squeeze
EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF HOMESCHOOLING
2 Children
learn
best
when
they
are
The way you can facilitate that is to
interested in a topic. They are motivated
expose
and
interests and see what they gravitate to.
excited
contrast
to
to
learn.
a
child
This
is
in
pushing
stark
against
Then
your
you
child
to
encourage
a
that
variety
interest
of
and
learning subjects they are not interested
feed it with resources and experiences
in just because it is part of a prescribed
(e.g. outings, job shadowing, internships
curriculum.
etc.).
It can be argued that certain subjects that are taught in certain curricula are outdated and no longer relevant in our modern
age.
By
using
an
eclectic
approach, a parent can choose subjects that
are
more
relevant
and
increase
their child’s chances of success in the future.
Another
Eclectic
advantage
homeschooling,
to
is
using
that
the
parent can discern the child’s particular strengths
and
weaknesses
and
Once
have
high
school-age
career path after school, can adapt the learning
schooling
phase
in to
decided
which
on, you can contact tertiary institutions that provide training in that field and ask them which kind of school leaving certificate
is
needed
and
if
there
are
any other requirements for acceptance (e.g. portfolio) that your teen can work towards.
Many homeschooling parents wonder if
children, who want to follow a specific
child’s
has
career path they would like to embark
they who
child
adapt
their learning accordingly.
Parents
your
the
secondary
prepare
them
for
tertiary studies in that specific field.
will
be
able
to
teach
their
child
everything they need to know. Of course not. No curriculum can do that, but the homeschool parent can instill a love of learning access
and the
teach
their
knowledge
child they
how
need
to to
become lifelong learners. Chirani Meyer
In
theory,
the
homeschooling
idea
may
of
make
eclectic
sense,
but
how does one go about it practically? My advice would be to start at the end and work your way back from there.
What
is
your
goal
in
home
educating
your child? If your end goal is to prepare your
child
for
tertiary
education,
your
child first needs to find out which career path they would like to follow.
www.homeschooling-curriculum-guide.com
3
EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF HOMESCHOOLING
HOMESCHOOL COSTS Home education is generally less expensive than school education, because it does not require school buildings and teachers. However, in families where both parents work outside the home, home education often means that one parent has to stop working. Due to the loss of this income, many parents view home education as expensive. However, if you take all the costs of schooling into account (e.g. school fess, school uniforms, transport), as well as the costs associated with working (transport, after-school care), home education is not that expensive. Parents often spend more on keeping a child in school than they generate with a second income. If you budget carefully, you may find that it is not impossible to live comfortably on one income. For single-income families, home education is generally cheaper than school education.
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EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF HOMECHOOLING
There are many ways to contain the costs of home education: Use the same curriculum and learning materials for multiple children. Use a unit study curriculum and teach different age groups at the same time. Compile your own structured or unstructured curriculum. Make use of 2nd hand curriculum material and free resources on the internet. Join support groups that can negotiate discounts for field trips. Make use of a public library. In families where both parents work, homeschooling is still possible. Since home education needs much less time than school education, parents could work part-time.
If parents work different shifts, the time in-between shifts could be used for home education. Parents who work from home or have their own businesses can easily combine home education and business. To involve the children in the business can also be a learning experience for the children.It may be more difficult for single parent families to homeschool their children, but it is not impossible. Single parents who work from home can combine work and home education. Parents who work outside the home can homeschool after office hours. They can set a schedule that a child who is old enough to work independently, can follow on their own. Some single parents can involve tutors or family members to help with the education. Bouwe van der Eems
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REGULATING ASPECTS
SHOULD PARENTS REGISTER FOR HOMESCHOOLING?
South African politicians are known for entertaining bizarre opinions on various topics. This tradition is now also starting to affect homeschooling parents. According to the current national policy on home education, the provincial Department of Education (DoE) may refuse to register a child for home education, or may withdraw a registration for home education. Generally, officials at the DoE have very limited knowledge of home education as well as the legislation on home education.
They are often driven by political objectives and career opportunities. They have no personal relationship with the child involved. In this situation officials often require parents to meet all sorts of arbitrary requirements not stipulated by law. It could perhaps happen that KZN officials, based on advice from the MEC, require parents to undergo tests by graphologists and phrenologists. If parents are not willing to meet these arbitrary requirements, registration might be refused. If parents want to appeal against the refusal, they can appeal to the Member of the Executive Council (MEC). Given the bizarre opinions that the MEC has on education, the probability that the appeal will be successful might be low, especially if the officials listened to the advice of the MEC.
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REGULATING ASPECTS
Given the current regulatory environment in South Africa, there are many lawful reasons why it is generally not advisable to register children for home education. Â Parents that still plan to register their child for home education at the provincial DoE must keep in mind that their application will be evaluated by officials that have a very limited understanding of home education and the law about home education, and that if they have to appeal against a decision of the DoE, they might need to persuade politicians with bizarre views on education, let alone home education.
Parents who have the interests of their children at heart should be very careful about the procedures required by officials for registration of home learners. Almost all those procedures and preconditions are developed by uninformed politicians who evidently also have rather exotic views on education. At best, that places the best interests of children at risk. Parents who do engage in such registration processes, even more than other parents, are advised to join the Pestalozzi Trust to get sound advice on how to home educate lawfully. Bouwe van der Eems
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LIFE SKILLS
4
MINDFUL PHRASES TO USE AS CONFIDENCE BOOSTERS
Try these complimenting strategies to ensure your child feels that his work is seen and appreciated. Often we as parents are in-between a million things and struggle to praise our children effectively when they are showcasing their art or objects that they’ve built, or even written work as they get older. Instead of “That’s a pretty drawing” rather say ”I love that you used (colour) to colour this (object in picture). It really stands out!” Your child will feel that you are really paying attention to their work. Or shift the compliment and say “You must be so proud that you can draw so beautifully!” This ensures that your child will not only seek approval from you, but be proud of himself about his achievements. “You are so brave for doing this all by yourself without any help!” Emphasize that the outcome of their work is not that important, but rather their perseverance (or whatever quality you feel they showcased) throughout the process to complete their work. Be specific! If they complete a task or a chore, don’t only say “Good job!” Let them know WHY they did a good job. For example, “Thank you for helping me tidy up the laundry. I like the way you separated the shorts and shirts. Now we know exactly where to find it!” Be truthful. If they showcase a talent or skill, diving for example, but do a belly flop instead, don’t say “beautiful diving!” rather say “I can see your working hard on your diving skills. You’re getting better everyday. Keep going!” Children can sense truth in compliments, so be honest.
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LIFE SKILLS
INTRODUCING POSITIVE
SELF-TALK
TO YOUR KIDS.
What you say to Yourself matters! It is important to look at yourself as a parent first and observe your own self-talk. Kids learn by example. Do you ever find yourself in a bad mood only to feel that everything keeps going wrong? Or when you are in a good mood, things seem to be getting better? This is a product of our state of mind, produced through our self-talk. Selftalk is an enormous part of our kids’ self-esteem and confidence. By working on replacing negative self-talk with more positive self-talk, you’re more likely to feel in control of your life.
How you ‘communicate with yourself’ shapes your behavior Your communication with yourself directly influences how you experience situations in life. If your self-talk is negative, chances are that your external experiences in life will be negative as well. If your self-talk is positive your experiences will be positive. It is important to realize that your thoughts (self-talk) becomes your emotions and then ultimately how you act and view your reality. Your ‘inner state’ is created by how you choose to communicate with yourself. Bottom line - The quality of your life is based on the quality of the communication you have with yourself.
9
LIFE SKILLS
Change your thoughts, change your life Reclaim control of your mind by introducing positive thoughts into the mind. Teach your child to become “mindful.” Tell your child to be aware of any negative thoughts that they might be thinking of and that they have the power to immediately replace it with a positive thought. Observe your child’s talking and thinking by asking questions. Every time your child says something negative, gently counteract with a positive statement. Teach your child to always see the good in everything. Ask them to point out the positive points of an event or an activity. Shopping at the mall, family braai, movie, ask your child: What did you enjoy about today? What about it was nice for you? Ask your child about their friends: What do you like most about your friends? Make sure you keep the focus on the positive.
Even if they might have had a bad experience you might say something like: “It’s okay, maybe we can take the situation and learn from it for next time, the most important thing is you gave it your best”. Always give your child honest compliments and encouragements. Introduce positive affirmation: Affirmations are very powerful to reprogram the mind to focus on positive self-talk. This is something you can start doing with your child to model positive self-talk as a parent. Get your child to make his/her own list of positive affirmations. Adele Bosman
Examples of positive affirmations you can teach your child: TODAY IS GOING TO BE A GREAT DAY! I ALWAYS DO WELL AT SCHOOL. I GET ON WELL WITH EVERYBODY. I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS! I AM KIND AND FRIENDLY. I LOVE GOING TO SCHOOL! I AM CONFIDENT. TODAY I AM A LEADER. I AM LOVED AND RESPECTED. I AM PERFECT JUST THE WAY I AM!
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LIFE SKILLS
Maak jou kind gereed vir die arbeidsmark In ʼn tyd waar jeugwerkloosheid in Suid Afrika ʼn verstommende 55% bereik het en dit selfs internasionaal ʼn krisis met ʼn geraamde 30% is, is die strewe om ons kinders by te staan sodat hul vir die arbeidsmark gereed is, sekerlik die grootste enkele uitdaging waarmee ons as ouers ooit mee te doen sal hê. As mens hier byvoeg dat ʼn enkele jaar wat ʼn kind die ‘verkeerde’ kursus op universiteit of kollege spandeer die ouer enigiets tussen R100 000 en R130 000 uit die sak jaag, is die kwessie van behoorlike beroepsbeplanning op skoolvlak lankal nie meer ʼn luukse nie, maar ʼn noodsaaklikheid Al hoe meer ouers besef dat ʼn eenmalige reeks toetse en ʼn terugvoerverslag dikwels nie genoeg is om ʼn tiener op ʼn suksesvolle loopbaanpad te plaas nie. Maande gelede is Tuisskolers.Org kontak bekendgestel aan ʼn meer volledige proses wat so ontwerp is dat ʼn kind met die leiding van ʼn mentor (soos byvoorbeeld ʼn ouer of onderwyser) ʼn maandelange proses volg wat die kind gereed maak vir die arbeidsmark en/of verdere studies. Die hele proses maak gebruik van internet gebaseerde sagteware en vereis betrokkenheid van beide die kind en die mentor.
Die koste van ʼn soortgelyke program vir 'n leerder by 'n eksterne fasiliteerder is sowat R8500. Gegee die kostes van studies is so ʼn belegging nie onbillik nie. Besoek gerus die SAHomeschoolers se webtuiste vir meer inligting.
11
LIFE SKILLS
The Fourth #Industrial Revolution
# economy # opportunities
How to prepare your child for the 21st century Bouwe van der Eems
We live in a time where the economy is radically transformed by technologies such as crypto currencies and robotics. Business models are turned on their head. Today, the largest hotel company in the world, AirBnB, owns no hotels. The largest taxi company, Uber, owns no cars. Recently an App was launched in South Africa called “Sweep South� that could radically transform the industry of domestic workers. With these new business models, priceless assets today could become burdens tomorrow. This transformation is known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This revolution creates threats. A well-paying job today might be irrelevant tomorrow. In South Africa, these changes are on top of the existing problems of oversubscribed universities and labour legislation that discourages employees to hire more staff. This revolution also creates opportunities. Somebody that understands this revolution will be sought after. Somebody that can apply new business models to other economic sectors.
This is what Sweep South did when they applied the Uber business model to domestic services. Since homeschooling is a customisable form of education, homeschool families have the advantage that they can adapt their education to prepare their children for this new era.
"
homeschool families have the advantage that they can adapt their education to prepare their children for this new era.
12
In order to know how to prepare children, it is advisable that parents read books that explain how the new economy works. One of the best books on the subject is called "The Fourth Industrial Revolution". The writer, Klaus Schwab, is the founder and chairman of the World Economic Forum, held in Davos each year. At this forum, business and political leaders come together to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
LIFE SKILLS
One of the game changing technologies according to Klaus Schwab is called "block-chain". This is a financial technology that allows people to securely exchange value globally without the involvement of an intermediary such as a bank. The most well-known crypto currency using block-chain technology is "Bitcoin", which is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa. A lot of information is available on crypto currencies, and to gain a proper understanding of these technologies requires many hours on Google and Youtube.
Another technology that drives this revolution is robotics. Robots increasingly replace manual laborers, but on the other hand it creates opportunities for people that can program and maintain these robots and apply the technologies in other economic sectors. Having your children exposed to robotics early could prepare them to exploit those opportunities. Motivate your children to learn about science to provide a foundation for tech-driven careers.
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EXTRA CURRICULAR
Die sosiale lewe van tuisskolers:
IS HULLE KLUISENAARS? “Kom julle ooit uit?” Hierdie artikel wil verduidelik wat REGTIG in tuisskolers se sosiale lewens aangaan. ’n Tipiese tuisskooldag. Kom ons kyk eers na die tipiese dag van ’n skoolkind in die “regte lewe.” Skoolkinders: sit vir tenminste 180 dae per jaar doodstil in ’n skoolbank sien buiten vir die werk van 'n onderwyser, omtrent nooit hoe ’n ander werkplek in die “regte lewe” lyk nie is ingedeel in hokkies saam met kinders van hulle eie ouderdom en het min geleentheid vir kontak met kinders van ander ouderdomme of volwassenes
“MAAR WAT VAN HULLE SOSIALISERING?”
omdat alles vir hulle verskaf word, neem hul min verantwoordelikheid vir hulself se doen en late het selde gevolge, omdat hulle meestal outomaties van een graad na die volgende aanskuif het omtrent nooit die kans om te doen waarin hulle regtig belangstel en om hulle unieke talente te gebruik nie
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EXTRA CURRICULAR
Tuisgeskoolde kinders: doen gewoonlik “skoolwerk,” waarin leer plaasvind, maar het ook tyd vir dinge waarin hulle regtig belangstel kan vrylik rondbeweeg en kan byvoorbeeld ’n paar spronge op die trampolien gaan vang as somme hulle oorlaai het wat ’n ma of pa het wat van die huis af werk, sien hoe lyk werk in die “regte lewe” het gedurig interaksie met jonger of ouer boeties en sussies en met hulle ouers is gewoonlik verantwoordelik vir huishoudelike takies, soos wasgoed ophang, skottelgoed wegpak, kar was, gras sny en so meer leer met die einddoel in gedagte (om byvoorbeeld regtig goed te kan lees en skryf) en nie om net die spesifieke graad te kan deurkom nie Ons praat nie hier van die akademiese voorsprong wat tuisskool bied nie. Almal weet teen dié tyd tuisgeskoolde kinders vaar akademies baie goed. Hierdie artikel gaan dus oor tuisskool en sosialisering. Marisa Haasbroek www.oolfant.com
Lizelle Rademeyer
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SUPPORT
AROUND THE TABLE EATING AROUND THE TABLE WAS AN EVERYDAY CUSTOM IN THE OLDEN DAYS, BUT IT SEEMS NOT MANY FAMILIES HAVE KEPT THIS TRADITION ALIVE IN THEIR HOMES.
It is understandable that having everyone present around the table can be a challenging task. The economy has changed and so have the dynamics of the modern household. Mom and dad are working, with children in different schools. Dad works late some evenings, John has tennis lessons and Becky is rehearsing for a school play. It is a daunting task to round everyone up every evening for supper, but here is why you should try it at least once or twice a week. Tradition Establishing a tradition or a ritual creates a sense of security to children. Growing up, children experience many uncertainties and they find stability in routines established at home. Even if you are not able to eat together every evening, set out certain days of the week so that the family has something to look forward to. To enhance the experience, you can even cook together!
BY LEANDRI SNYMAN
Connecting as a family It is difficult to stay in touch and stay informed about the events happening in each other's lives without an allocated time to catch up. Therefor, it is easy to feel disconnected from one another. Having a meal together will ensure you are aware of successes and struggles family members are experiencing. Enhanced conversation and social-skills Children learn to act in a socially acceptable manner by watching their parents and family members. Politeness is a trait that walks hand-in-hand with table manners. Children are also able to share stories and receive feedback from parents and siblings. They are given an opportunity to share their opinions and learn to come to terms with people who have different perceptions than they have. They also develop their conversation skills that will enhance their social-skills. Closer as a family The dinner table will soon become a safe space if it is known as the gathering place. It will be a place of solitude and safety, where family members can just breathe and be free to speak their mind without judgement. Ensure your table doesn't only fill stomachs, but hearts too!
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SUPPORT
SHOULD I ANSWER ALL OF MY CHILD'S 'QUESTIONS? Research shows that moms are asked approximately 300 questions a day. Let us all process that number and have a moment of appreciation for moms! Â Studies show that girls aged 4, seem to be the most inquisitive, asking around 390 questions per day. That is a question every 1 minute and 56 seconds. Does some of these sound familiar?
" "
a question every 1 minute and 56 seconds.
"Mommy...where is my sock? whose plate is this? where is my bag? where are you? can I go with? where are you going? what are you eating? where is that bird going? can I have a snack?"
I can carry on with this list for all eternity, but I would like to have supper later with my teeth intact still. Parents are a child's first source of information and they sure make use of that. But when children ask a question, they don't necessarily require an answer from you. When children ask a question, they are exploring all the possible answers to their question. They are merely asking your viewpoint or opinion.
17
SUPPORT
Sometimes when a child asks you something, you should reply and say "I don't know, what do you think?" Please don't do this for all 300 questions, you will definitely lose the plot. But when your child asks you "where is that bird going?" ask him what he thinks. When he asks you why the sky is blue, ask him what he thinks. Show him his opinion is just as valid and important as yours. Even if he's telling you the bird is on his way to Woolies to buy organic seed crackers, the same ones that mommy buys for us, for his chicks. Just roll with it and agree. Give your child the self-confidence to be able to voice his opinion, without the fear of being told he is wrong.
I had a few boys in my classroom about a week ago - they were going through animal cards, putting two next to each other and going back and forth, discussing which animal they think is the strongest between the two. When they couldn't come to a conclusion that suited both parties, my vote became the deciding vote. But I didn't vote, I gave them a scenario to further their thinking. The two cards up next were an African Lion and a Nile Crocodile. Everyone voted for the lion, cause it's a lion! I mean, come on! He is the king of the jungle! Poor crocodile had but a few votes.
They came over to me and asked me what I thought, to which I answered "well, where are they?" And they all stood before me, with very confused looks on their faces. So I continued "Are they in water? Who do you think will win if they are in water?"
Everyone exclaimed self-assured that the crocodile would win, as big cats don't like water and are definitely not better swimmers than crocs. My questions quickly sparked more curiosity. "If it's on land, the lion will win. He is much faster than the crocodile. And he can climb a tree. The crocodile can't." Through this simple activity and one simple question, the children have learned that research should be done before making a choice, and we should come to know as much as we can about things before we decide on or against something. Children can do their own research. Do not be mistaken to think that a child is but an empty vessel, needing to be filled by you as parent or a teacher. They can make their own conclusions, they can discuss and create scenarios, they can solve problems. Maybe not in a manner we find acceptable or appropriate, but they can. They can, they can, they can. Remember that. hwww.talltreesresearchcentre.co.za
18
SUPPORT
10 questions instead of "how was your day?"
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SUPPORT
Often we ask our children "how was school?" or "how was your day?" Which is followed by a short response, such as "fine." These questions are not only great for you do find out more about your child's day, but also gives them an opportunity to reflect on their day and share their thoughts and feelings.
1 3
If you could do any part of today over again, what part would it be?
What do you wish you did more of today?
6
2 4
Did something make you laugh out loud today?
If you can do this day over, what would you do differently?
5
What can I do to make your day easier right now?
Did something / someone make you feel happy/ excited/ angry?
8 10
7 9
What has been hard for you this week?
What do you wish you did a little less of?
What made you smile today?
What would you like to do differently tomorrow?
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BUSINESS FOCUS
BUSINESS FOCUS
EDU-CAT CHILDREN AT TASK
Edu-Cat Children At Task opened its doors in June 2011 with just 6 amazing products. It is the brainchild of Colleen Fernandes, who has over 20 years experience in the education industry. We are an early learning development emporium, covering products from birth - Grade R. Our Vision is to see as many home parents possible, aiding their children toward school readiness with the support of well developed learning tools, as well as providing educators with the best resources to enhance their teaching skills. To date we have over 160 locally made, developed and manufactured, high quality products. All learning areas are covered, with great emphasis placed on literacy and numeracy. With each product, you receive instructions on how to use the item in more than one learning area to cross integrate. Each year we strive to develop four new products, most times surpassing our allocated number. We provide products which are original and unique to EduCat Children At Task.
As educators/parents, Edu-Cat Children At Task acknowledge the time and effort put into preparing a well balanced lesson. So to “lighten” the load of lesson planning and preparation, we've put together a variety of kits for parents, educators and learners. They range from a basic knowledge starter kit - School Readiness which has 7 products Comprehensive kits - Babies and Toddlers (0-4 years) which have 53 products Grade R kits which have 40 products, consisting of an array of specialized items, training manuals, music CD, storage bag Custom made kits are available, as we understand that children are different in their learning capabilities. Coupled with the various kits, we provide a wide selection of items for fine-motor development, gross-motor development, sensory development, spatial awareness and more. In order to provide up to date learning material, we attend workshops/meetings at schools, which are hosted by the Department of Education throughout the year.
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BUSINESS FOCUS
Many of our products are used in their teacher training workshops. Like most companies, we all have our star product and ours is the fine-motor skills development apron. This was one of our first products and remains top of the “leader board.” Learning tasks by wearing the apron is practical and fun.
Afrika. In the same year we were chosen as a finalist for the Western Cape Premier Entrepreneurship Awards.
During our past 8 years, we have had many achievements, which include editorial features in Child Mag and Peoples Post. In 2012, we had our products featured on SABC 2's flagship education programme, Rivoningo, for two months! In 2013, we had the opportunity to present a 'Train the Trainer' workshop for Clover Mama
Our products are available in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa. Together we can eradicate the “I can't!" and replace it with a resounding “I can!” one learning tool at a time. And remember... HAVE FUN!
And we are still striving to bring the best products and resources to teachers and learners in education.
COLLEEN FERNANDES
http://www.nukleus.co.za/
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SOCIAL BUZZ
WHY I’M LEAVING TEACHING Leandri Snyman I’ve wanted to be a teacher my whole life. I grew up in a big family and as the oldest I felt it my responsibility to lead the pack. After a few detours, I finally studied teaching and jumped right into a 3-6 year old class. I knew I found the place I am supposed to be. Fast forward six years later and I’m leaving teaching at the end of this year. During this journey, I’ve covered all ages, from 18 months to 13 years. I’ve been at some of the best schools, but also the worst of the worst. At every school I’ve been, there has been something spiralling out of control. Either the parents are ruling the school, or the infrastructure is horrible. The school is mismanaged, money is disappearing. Staff are underdeveloped and unequipped. Principals are bullies and undermine their staff. Teachers are doing the bare minimum. Children do exactly as they please. The system itself is corrupt, crippling teachers with paperwork, minimising their creativity and supressing their passion.
"I have tried my best. I’ve exhausted my resources. I have over-exerted myself. I have worn-out my emotions and abilities. And now I’m leaving."
I have tried my best. I’ve exhausted my resources. I have over-exerted myself. I have worn-out my emotions and abilities. And now I’m leaving Leaving the “half-day” job that smothers you in paperwork and pressures 7 year old kids to do 25 page assessments. Leaving the “easy” job where you are not allowed to use you own intuition to decide what is best for a child. Leaving the calling that I felt 6 years ago, because I felt there was nothing left of me for my family. My heart hurts for the learners in my classroom. Forced to sit in rows like soldiers for approximately 4 hours+ a day. Forced to follow the same curriculum year after year, like robots. No space for creative expression, no place for critical thinking, no space for exploration of new theories. No accommodation for those who are leading or those who are trailing behind. One teacher for approximately 40+ learners. 40 different individuals, simply seen as another batch number. Our children’s brains are paralyzed by the current education system. Coaching them to follow directions, and if no directions are given, they simply don’t know what to do. This is why I’m leaving.
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EVENTS
http://www.wolseyhalloxford.org.uk/
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EVENTS
EVENTS 2 NOVEMBER
2 NOVEMBER
Homeschooling seminar Pretoria
Homeschoolers market Bloemfontein
9 NOVEMBER
11 NOVEMBER
Homeschool Expo Durban
Home Education and Uncapped seminar Glenwood, KZN
For more information please follow the link: https://www.sahomeschoolers.org/support-topmenu/seminars-expo-s-etc.html
24
QUIZ
monthly
RIDDLE I live in my little house all alone. There are no windows or doors, and if I want to go out I have to break through the wall. What am I?
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