In the Owl class , we follow a themed approach to encourage each child’s curiosity, increase their confidence, and support self-directed activities. The children are involved in small and whole group activities where they are encouraged to solve problems, develop their thinking skills, and learn how to work in a group.

The classroom environment is set out in such a way as to build each child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills.
 

Observation based assessments (that track each child’s progress) and one on one interactions, help the teacher to guide the child towards their developmental milestones and eventual school readiness.

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Each child has a work portfolio, art file and record file that document growth and development through each child’s work. Tshidi meets regularly with parents to discuss developments, concerns, and methods to support where necessary. Here they discuss ways that parents are able to continue the learning process at home.

E.g., reading to children at bedtime, playing board games, building puzzles, topics to spark discussions etc.

 

In this class the Teachers have 6 Focus Areas on they which they work, namely:

 

Communication

By creating a language rich environment in the classroom, we hope to encourage each child’s development of 'Early Literacy'. Activities include reading aloud, introducing the children to the Letterland characters, role play, rhymes etc.

 

Building brain power

We try and help each child develop a higher level of thinking skills.

• We encourage the exploration of the physical properties of materials e.g., wood, plastic & glass

• Use daily calendar activities to teach sequencing of events, patterns & routines)

• We support the learning of cognitive skills such as counting, testing & drawing conclusions – whilst doing baking or science activities/experiments

 

Making new friends

We discuss ways of developing strong relationships by:

• Modelling social concepts such as please and thank you.

• Having daily discussions

• Exploring similarities & differences between Children

• Encourage co-operation with one another

 

Growing a Healthy Body

By doing various activities like lacing cards, stencils, writing activities, play dough etc., we enhance the Child’s fine motor skills. We strengthen co-ordination and gross motor skills through running jumping and throwing activities twice a week. We discuss healthy food choices with the Children, so that they start making healthy choices for themselves. In our themes we also discuss ways our bodies respond to exercise and the food we take in.

 

Nurturing Creativity

We encourage each Child to explore their creative ideas and talents by providing activities daily where the children can express themselves by painting, moving, dancing, singing, puppet shows, telling of stories and role play.

 

Developing Lasting Life Skills

We encourage curiosity and choice, by providing the Children with opportunities to solve problems, share their ideas or thinking. We also use daily routines to promote memory.

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OUR DAILY PROGRAMME

Kindly click the button below to download and view our daily programme:

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Please note: Although personal care activities such as toilet routine and hand washing are scheduled throughout the day, these will also occur outside the scheduled times in order to meet each Child’s individual needs.

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Our Main Focus in these Groups are:

• Lessons & activities to help prepare each child for Gr R and Gr 1 respectively.

• Small group lessons focused on early literacy, early numeracy, basic life skills and social skills

• Whole class activities that help each child build an awareness of others and a sense of community

• Hands on experiences that encourage independent, creative learning

• Classroom activities that help each child build literacy and numeracy skills

• Regular parent teacher communication and ways to connect what he/she learns at home with what is covered at school

• Encouraging the children to name their feelings and model ways of showing strong feelings

 

As these learners grow, we create activities and lessons that help each child explore, communicate, and create in a nurturing, small class environment. As our class is small, the children receive one on one attention.

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CLASS TEACHERS​

Matshidiso (Tshidi) Mazibuko – Class Teacher

Tshidi started as an assistant teacher for the 2-3 year old class. This year, 2024, it has been 5 years working with the Kids@Home family. Tshidi completed her studies in Educare N4 - N6 in Northlink College. Tshidi find's joy in teaching young minds about the wonders of the world.

Tshidi's everyday motivation is “sometimes you win, sometimes you learn", that keeps her growing everyday!

Bianca Smith– Class Assistant

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