How do we ensure that all children can read fluently by the end of Grade 3?
- That was the key question discussed by primary school principals, heads of the Foundation Phase, and Uitenhage Education officials at the ‘Leading for Reading’ Imbizo in Jeffreys Bay on 21 September.
In his keynote address, Professor Brahm Fleisch of Wits University, drew our attention to the evidence that a combination of good teaching practice and appropriate resources improves learner performance.
Prof. Fleisch pointed out that the teaching of reading in the Foundation Phase requires professional, committed staff. As a start, school leaders can prioritise early grade reading by
- placing their freshest, most committed, professional teachers in the Grade 1 class
- deciding to have smaller classes in the Foundation Phase.
After discussing the essential components of reading, and the core methods for teaching reading, delegates deliberated on what is working in their schools, the challenges they face, and plans for improving reading in the Foundation Phase.
The Imbizo was part of the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm Reading Coach programme.
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- Mr Gorgonzola, Acting District Director in the Uitenhage District, welcomed delegates.
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- Prof Brahm Fleisch gave the keynote address.
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- Ms Marion Green-Thompson represented the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, funder of the project.
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- Delegates at the Imbizo.
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- Questions and discussions…
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- Delegates listened attentively.
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- Delegates at the Imbizo
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- Delegates at the Imbizo
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- Delegates at the Imbizo
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- District Officials attended
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- Prof Fleish demonstrates Shared Reading
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- Ms Qongqo, DCES Curriculum, thanked the speaker
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- Principals and officials with Ernest Gorgonzola (Acting DD), Marion Green-Thompson of Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm (front row, second from left), Prof Brahm Fleisch (front row, second from right) and Caroll Warmberg, Managing Director of ITEC (front row, right).
