21 Sep 2016

Residents of Khudumelapye in Letlhakeng Sub district have applauded reception class programme.They said that during interview with BOPA.

One of the residents, Mr Thero Chobo said reception class initiative is good as it has helped his young brother who schools at Khudumelapye Primary School.
Mr Chobo said his brother can now speak English and always sings English songs.

He said his brother is capable to telling them days of the week, months of the year,counting numbers and praying.Mr Chobo said this is a good initiative by government as it is free and no payment is needed from them.

He also said the government’s decision to introduce reception classes at Khudumelapye rescued them as some of the residents had to take their children to Letlhakeng for pre school which is 22km from Khudumelapye.

As a way of supporting government in its efforts he said at home they buy educational toys and books which are relevant for his age for colouring and learning.

He emphasized that preschool education was important because it enhanced the social skills of children as now his brother can play educational games with his peers and without not fighting for toys hence sharing during play time.Mr Chobo said he is hopeful that children will pass when they start their standard one and will not have any difficulties in terms of knowing how to write their names and other basics.

One of the early childhood practitioner, Miss Ontlametse Basima said children enrolled in-pre-primary  school are more behaved and have higher intellectual capability  scores upon enrolling for primary education to start their standard one. She said children learn best  at pre schools because there is a friendly curriculum that suites them and they do have activities like art and play.She said play is also important for child development as it can help a child to develop good linguistic skills and also it can help in social,emotional and physical development of a child.

For his part Mr Ellson Baeletsi who is a retired head teacher he said early childhood education is very vital for child development as reception classes help children with the important foundation skills at early years of growth ..He said early childhood education is foundation of children’s cognitive development as it develops learners from tender ages.

He also said when reading is taught in early ages, pupils develop very good listening skills.He urged parents to send their children to pre schools be it private or government schools.

Mr Baeletsi said  Early Childhood education will not only make children better communicators at an early age but will also give them better learning skills that can help them throughout their lives.He said early childhood education can result in a higher level of education as children will be advanced intellectually when they attend to pre school before standard one. Ends