1. The improvement of Foundation Phase learners' literacy and numeracy levels is a priority and is integral to the WCED Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.
2. Since 2005 the Curriculum Directorate has offered several 3-day intensive courses on Early Literacy and Early Numeracy to Grade R teachers as a way of supporting them and their schools to develop emergent literacy and numeracy knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in Grade R learners. As WCED continues to phase in Grade R provision, we are committed to providing further courses to support a quality Grade R curriculum.

3. These courses aim to
  • promote an awareness and understanding of the importance of developmentally appropriate numeracy and literacy educational experiences for later success in these areas.
  • enhance the teachers' ability to teach early literacy and numeracy knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to Grade R learners so that learners are prepared for the curriculum of Grades 1 to 3.
4. At the end of these courses participants will be able to do the following:
  • Understand the concepts of emergent literacy and numeracy
  • Unpack all Grade R outcomes-based assessment standards in the Languages/Mathematics learning area, with specific reference to emergent literacy and numeracy development in a non-formal teaching and learning programme based on play and active learning
  • Describe how integrating teaching and learning across three learning programmes support the development of emergent literacy and numeracy
  • Design integrated Grade R teaching and learning activities which are based on the NCS and which develop literacy and numeracy knowledge, skills, values and attitudes
  • Incorporate literacy and numeracy planning into the daily programme in a non-formal environment that supports play, discovery and active learning
  • Identify common barriers to learning that affect the development of emergent literacy and numeracy
  • Describe at least three key daily activities required on a Grade R daily timetable that are essential to promoting literacy and numeracy development
5. Early Literacy and Early Numeracy courses will be offered in 4 EMDC districts this year. Details of the courses can be found on Annexures A and B. Any queries from teachers in these 4 EMDC districts, with regard to registration and course matters, should be directed to the relevant EMDC co-ordinator listed in the tables provided on Annexures A and Annexure B. Queries from teachers in other EMDC districts can be addressed to their EMDC's chief curriculum adviser.
6. Grade R teachers who are currently teaching in WCED-registered classes are eligible to attend the courses that are offered in their EMDC districts. Participation in a course is, however, voluntary and registrations will be limited to a maximum of 32 teachers per course. In addition, a waiting list will be created for Grade 1 teachers who also wish to attend these courses.
7. At their discretion, EMDCs will either issue a general invitation to their schools or invite those schools that meet the EMDC's predetermined criteria, such as proximity to venue and exposure to other training courses. EMDCs will contact schools shortly and all completed registration documents must be returned to the EMDC by I June 2007.
8. Once a teacher has been accepted and registered for the course, he or she will be obliged to attend, or make arrangements for a suitable replacement, failing which the unnecessary expenditure may be recouped from the school.
9. Teachers whose registrations have been approved may claim their transport costs.

The following once-off subsidy will be paid, provided that the WCED receives a correctly completed claim form at the course venue:

  • 20 to 50 km in total over the 3 days:    R75-00
  • 51 to 75 km in total over the 3 days:    R85-00
  • 76 to 100 km in total over the 3 days:  R95-00
  • +100 km in total over the 3 days:        R100-00
10. Teachers are requested to ensure that their completed claim forms (with all information correct and certified) are submitted to the venue manager before the end of the course. The following information will be required for processing transport claims:
  • Persal number (if applicable)
  • ID number
  • Travelling distance in kilometres from your home to the course venue
  • Correct bank account details of all school governing body paid employees must be submitted before the end of the course on the appropriate form and stamped by the relevant bank. No photocopies or facsimiles of the completed form are allowed.

Late submissions and incorrect claims will be rejected.
11. Light refreshments will be served mid-morning and at lunchtime.
12. The Curriculum Directorate welcomes this opportunity to support Grade R teachers in the valuable role they play in developing a strong emergent literacy and numeracy foundation in our youngest learners.


SIGNED: J.P. RAULT-SMITH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2007:05:10

Annexure A  (size: 20 KB)
Annexure B  (size: 20 KB)