This document provides guidance for parents on preparing their child for Grade R. It discusses the total development of the child across cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and moral domains. Key aspects of language, physical, social, emotional, and moral development for Grade R children are outlined. The document also reviews the Grade R curriculum, differences between Grade R and Grade 1, and what parents can expect and do to help in the transition to Grade R.

1. Big school – Big step!
Babette le Roux
Professional coordinator: Early Childhood Development

2. The beginning of a new partnership
• Child is on a road to independence
• Increase in input of significant others
• Input of both parties may not be the same,
but equal in value
• Both parties have the best interest of the child
at heart

3. Total development of the child against
the background of the curriculum
• Cognitive development (intellectual, language)
• Physical development
• Social development
• Emotional development
• Moral development

4. Language development
• Language development during the first 5 years
is crucial (avoid “baby language”)
• Concepts and vocabulary learned through
experience
• Value of stories and reading in language
development
• Develop listening (auditory) skills

5. Physical development
• Gross motor and fine motor development
• Body image
• Nutrition
• Sleep
• Movement
• Role of sport in releasing stress
• Learn to win, learn to lose

6. Social development
• Move from being ego-centric to social
• Play is important in socialisation
• Learn to share
• Social responsibilities
• Cause and effect

7. Emotional development
• Separate from parents without tears
• Willing to explore and dare
• Independence at this age
• Need for recognition
• Pressure to perform

8. Moral development
• Distinguish between right and wrong
• Parents and teachers are role models

9. The curriculum
• Content based curriculum
• 4 subjects: 1 language at Home Language level
1 language at FAL level
Mathematics
Life Skills
• Set time allocations
• Specific progression and promotion requirements

10. The essential difference between teaching
Grade R and Grade1
• Informal • Formal
• Physical experience, • Shift towards
movement and play abstract cognitive
development

11. Different ways of learning
Bodies Symbols Abstract

12. A quick checklists
• Follow simple instructions
• Write their name, recognize their name
• Count to , recognize numbers
• Tell left from right
• Name basic colours and shapes
• Handle crayons, scissors and pencils
• Dress themselves
• Blow their noses
• Know how to use the toilet on their own
• Identify all their belongings
• Know a contact number for their parent/guardian

13. Policy frameworks to take note of
National Policies
• Schools Act
• Language in Education Policy
• Curriculum related policies
School policies
• Admission policy
• Language policy
• Code of conduct
• Homework

14. What to expect during the first few
weeks:
• Tired and emotional
• At first, take your child to the classroom
(firm goodbye – don’t linger)
• Fetch your child from the classroom during the first week
• Talk about the school day
• Mark all your child’s belongings
• Be prompt and punctual

15. What you can do to help…
• Don’t scare them with: “Your teacher is going to
sort you out!!”
• Don’t arrive at the class, expecting to see the
teacher during teaching time
• Don’t hang around the classroom 10 min before
the end of the day
• Don’t discuss the teacher in front of your child

16. What you can do to help…
• Do not keep them out of school for insignificant
reasons
• As a courtesy, let the office know if your child is
unwell
• Don’t take over your child’s responsibilities – let
them back their own bags (the night before)
• Invest in quality time with your child