Re-imagining education: Teachers in a challenging environment

July 2023

The teachers could see these struggles in their learners and shared that many children are missing strong early literacy foundations. Our team loved sharing Wordworks’ work with this passionate group of educators.

Wordworks and other special guests were invited to address teachers at a Methodist Church of Southern Africa seminar*. We presented on the topic of laying the foundation for literacy in the early years.The seminar was attended by more than 50 teachers from both primary and high schools. We spoke about the essential role played by both the school and the home in building literacy skills.
The teachers were excited to understand the teaching and learning processes to ensure that learners acquire the foundational skills to become confident and competent readers and writers.

The teachers could identify these struggles in their learners. They expressed that most of the children have gaps in their learning because they lack a foundation in early literacy. Wordworks presenters, Bukelwa Yuze, Gaynor Cozens and Colleen Diedericks enjoyed sharing our work with the passionate teachers.

SPECIAL GUESTS AT THE SEMINAR
Western Cape Education Department director, Berenice Daniels spoke on iInclusive and specialised education support. She mediated the CAPACITAR toolkit which provides teachers with tools for their wellbeing. Teachers enjoyed the practical exercises for themselves and their learners to relieve stress and the challenges of life.

Rodney Van Staden, a teacher from the Athlone School for the blind, informed the audience as to the challenges in education that blind people face and the efforts to overcome them. He showcased his musical talent as a gateway he uses in his teaching.
Florence Vermeulen, a passionate teacher from Luckhoff Secondary school, demonstrated tools and skills he uses in his classroom which motivates and uplifts his learners. He had everyone energised with his uplifting teaching tips.
*Planned by the Education Desk of the Methodist church of Southern Africa.