Page 34 - Education February 2024

WHERE IT ALL BEGINS…

Teaching Grade R: A Crucial

Decision for Parents By Vanessa Govender

re you a parent seeking the best stimulating educational environment is Remember, learning is a practical skill
educational start for your child or crucial in selecting the right school. that best occurs through experience and
Aan innovative, quick-thinking, and participation. Each learner, or your child,
creative teacher? Do you, as a parent, want Young minds are constantly observing must take an active role in his or her
to find a school that thrives on change and and exploring. It is paramount, therefore, development.
motivates learners to dare to dream and for them to be provided with substantial
reach for the stars? Or, as a teacher, are you avenues for stimulation and growth. Integrating Teaching Aids and
aiming to be someone who does just that? Children learn significantly through Classroom Manipulatives: A Guide
sensory exploration: what they hear, they for Parents and Teachers in the
Tools of the Trade might forget; what they see, they may Foundation Phase
In the ideal classroom environment, remember; what they do, they begin to Teaching aids and classroom manipulatives
educators should employ a variety of understand; and what they practice, they are essential tools at any stage of a learner’s
manipulatives and teaching aids to engage will eventually master. This understanding development. They are instrumental when
students both physically and visually as is beneficial in the learning process of introducing new concepts to learners and
they journey through their interactive young children. A proactive educator are equally important for refining skills
developmental stages. These tools should ensures that all learners are encouraged to and reinforcing what has been taught. This
be easily accessible and affordable, be interactive and involved in activities for section further elaborates on the role these
including items such as crayons, pencils, their discovery and learning. As parents, tools play in a Foundation Phase classroom,
playdough, stamps, stickers, counters, recognising schools that adopt such offering insights for both educators and
Legos, puzzles, and building blocks. As an approach can be vital in your child’s parents seeking the best educational
parents, understanding what constitutes a development. environment for their children.

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