The newsletter below has several “live links” which can only be accessed in a downloaded version of the PDF

 

Our (longer than usual) July 2020 newsletter looks back at the Covid-19 lockdown period and ‘tells a story of how messages about the importance of early language and literacy are reaching homes, and changing lives in ways that we could not have anticipated. It also tells the story of the huge potential for supporting literacy through involving and resourcing families.’

Enjoy the read!

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In this newsletter we focus on our award-winning Home-School Partnerships Programme. Our director, Shelley O’Carroll shares some timely thoughts about the role of the family in early literacy during this unprecedented time in our country, and the world.  Enjoy the interesting story of Amanda Sickle’s contribution to the early literacy space, and meet the new additions to the Wordworks Team.

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Anyone can an early literacy champion. Anywhere. Anytime.

In this newsletter we celebrate the many champions that support the early literacy development of the children in their care.

At Wordworks, we have always believed that what counts in the end for children are day-to-day interactions, conversations, shared stories and words of encouragement. It’s the books that are read and re-read, it’s the fun we have playing games, and the sense of pride in our children’s drawing and the celebration of their early writing. This is what will give them the confidence and the language to become readers and writers, to listen with interest and to speak their truth, to learn about themselves and about their world, to be the best people they can be.’ Wordworks Director, Shelley O’ Carroll

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Our July newsletter gives you a peek into our Ready Steady Read Write tutor programme for Grade R and One learners. ‘Ready Steady tutors have structured sessions with their children, once a week for one hour.  The focus is on creating a fun, nurturing environment for children so that they become more confident readers and writers.’

 We introduce Graham Naidoo, an early literacy champion and father who has inspired us. He is participating in two of our programmes and says, “…I have realised that it’s…important to support children when they are young. I’ve been spreading the word in my own community and I’ve been helping other children when I can.”

 We celebrate all the Ready Steady tutors and extend special thanks to the large number of volunteers, largely drawn from school communities, who go the extra mile.

 As usual, we also have some practical tips and information to share.

 Enjoy the read!

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12 years ago, we believed that it was vital to invest in parents as their children’s first teachers. Our work has shown that across urban and rural contexts, across different language and cultural groups, there are dedicated teachers and parents who share this vision. In this newsletter we pay tribute to them.”

Our Home-School Partnerships programme is featured in this newsletter, with stories and tips that will inform and inspire you.

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Grade R – what a year! ‘This is the year when children build key foundations for literacy in ways that are fun and playful, when words, sounds, letters and books become part of their everyday world.’

Our newsletter shares some of the ways we and our partners have been involved in building these vital foundations through our Stellar Home Language Programme this year. As always, we also share some tips, and introduce another early literacy champion.

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September 2018

September is literacy month and a time to reflect on the fact that after 24 years of democracy, the great majority of our young children are not able to read, or understand what they read. … This is not government’s problem alone – it is every South African’s problem. It is the one thing that this country must get right. With millions of children in this country not learning to read and write successfully, what hope do we have of a better future?’

In our latest newsletter, read Shelley O’Carroll’s thought-provoking piece on the literacy crisis we face in South Africa. We also share some inspiring photos, news and tips from our Home-School Partnerships Programme – one way in which dedicated teachers and parents are facing up to this challenge.

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July 2018

“If you visited schools where tutors are using the Ready Steady Read Write programme to support young children learning to read and write, you would be struck by children contributing eagerly to conversations about books and a strong message to children that it’s important to try even if they can’t write perfectly. You would see how much fun reading and writing can be when it is taught through games, and you would notice children eager to begin their lessons, and leaving with a sense of confidence in themselves as readers and writers.”

Our July Newsletter brings you stories, tips and news about how to help make the journey into reading and writing a happy one that fills all involved with a great sense of accomplishment.

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March 2018

In the March edition of our newsletter we have exciting news about the launch of a Wordworks App for parents, caregivers and teachers of babies and young children. We also share a link to a new booklet that shows you how to make inexpensive resources for babies and toddlers to support language development and make learning fun. We feature an early literacy champion in the Eastern Cape, who is working tirelessly in her community to share knowledge and practical ideas for supporting early language development.

Enjoy the read!

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July 2017

March 2017

January 2017

 

Oct 2016 pic