Why we continue to teach cursive writing in the foundation phase: A holistic approach to learning

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In a world where emojis and GIFs have practically become their own language, it might seem a bit quirky that Think Digital Academy still champions the art of cursive writing in the foundation phase. Yes, typing and digital tools are super important (we love a good keyboard shortcut as much as the next person), but there’s something special about that loopy, flowing script that deserves a place in early education. So, why do we still make room for cursive amidst the pixels and screens? Let’s dive in!

Engaging both hemispheres of the brain (fancy, right?)

Cursive writing activates both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Unlike typing, which can be somewhat mechanical, cursive demands that students integrate visual, motor, and cognitive skills in a dynamic process. The left hemisphere, responsible for logic and language, works in tandem with the right hemisphere, which manages spatial and creative tasks. This dual-hemisphere activation is vital for developing higher-order thinking skills needed for solving problems and coming up with the next big idea.

Randomness in letter formation encourages cognitive flexibility

Unlike the rigid world of typing, cursive is a bit unpredictable. In cursive, letters connect in unpredictable ways depending on their sequence, keeping our young writers on their toes. This aspect promotes cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to adjust thinking and behaviour in response to new, unexpected circumstances. Encouraging this skill early on prepares students to be better equipped for challenges that require adaptability and critical thinking.

Enhancing visual processing and pattern recognition (pattern pros)

Cursive writing enhances visual-spatial skills because students must recognise and replicate complex, flowing patterns. These patterns are often more nuanced than the blocky shapes of print writing, requiring greater attention to detail and improving their ability to recognise visual cues in various contexts. This boosts visual processing skills and sharpens visual memory, helping students become experts at noticing details and recognising patterns, whether they’re reading a story or solving a tricky math problem.

Developing motor planning and coordination (tiny gymnasts)

Writing in cursive is a full-on workout for those tiny muscles in the hand and wrist. Motor planning—how we think about and execute movements—is a key part of learning cursive writing. When students practice cursive, they engage in complex, fine-motor skills that require coordinated movements of the hand and wrist. The act of joining letters requires precision and foresight, which, over time, strengthens motor planning abilities. This can improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor control, both critical for various life skills beyond writing; making kids ready for all sorts of tasks—from tying their shoes to mastering the art of drawing the perfect circle.

Improving spatial awareness (a new superpower)

Spatial awareness refers to the understanding of the position of objects, including letters, in relation to one another. Writing in cursive demands that students manage the spacing between letters, words, and sentences carefully, a skill that helps them develop a strong sense of how things are arranged both on paper and in the world around them. This can later assist in fields that require an understanding of geometry, architecture and even design.

Supporting memory retention and recall (memory magic)

There is a growing body of research that suggests cursive writing can help students retain information better than typing. Writing by hand activates the brain in ways that enhance memory retention and recall. The kinesthetic action of shaping each letter creates a neural connection to the material being learned, deepening understanding and making recall easier. So, the next time your child remembers that tricky spelling word or math fact, you might have their cursive practice to thank!

Encouraging a mind-body connection (zen masters in the making)

The rhythmic nature of cursive writing brings a meditative quality to the activity, often fostering a sense of calm and focus. The coordination of thought with movement helps students develop a strong mind-body connection, a form of mindfulness that not only enhances learning but also helps reduce stress and improve attention spans. Win-win!

Conclusion

At Think Digital Academy, we’re all about nurturing the whole child—mind, body and spirit. Cursive writing is more than just a relic of the past; it’s a powerful tool for developing cognitive, motor and creative skills that will serve our students well into the future. Sure, technology is crucial, but balancing screen time with a bit of old-school penmanship gives our students a well-rounded toolkit to thrive in this ever-evolving multifaceted world.

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Understanding the BELA Bill

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As of 13 September 2024, the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill has officially become law in South Africa. Many WhatsApp groups have sprung up to discuss its effects, but sadly, a lot of the shared information is inaccurate. We encourage parents to carefully distinguish facts from opinions and to verify the information they receive. Here’s what you need to know.

The key points

The BELA Bill does not outlaw homeschooling. Homeschooling has been a legal educational option since 1996 and will continue to be so, though it will now face tighter regulations.

Many of the rules in the BELA Bill are not new; they originate from laws and policies that have been in place for some time.

Registration: Once the Bill is published in the Government Gazette, parents will have 30 days to apply for homeschooling registration. If no response is received within 60 days, the application should be considered successful. Parents should keep proof of their application. The Bill also outlines an appeals process for cases where an application is denied or withdrawn.

Compulsory schooling: Grade R is now included as part of compulsory education. Compulsory schooling is not a new concept and has been part of South African law since 1910.

Alternative curricula: The BELA Bill does not ban the use of alternative curricula. Parents can continue to use options like the British curriculum or the United States GED, as long as they are recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as equivalent or comparable to the National Senior Certificate (NSC).

Assessments: The Bill requires students to be evaluated by a qualified assessor at the end of each educational phase (Grades 3, 6 and 9). This is not a new requirement; external assessments at these stages have been part of the National Curriculum since 2009. The assessments must meet the standards set by the National Curriculum.

Home visits: The provision for home visits has been removed from the BELA Bill. However, the Head of Department (HOD) may request a pre-registration meeting with parents, which does not have to take place in the home—it can be arranged in a public space like a coffee shop.

Online schooling: The BELA Bill does not specifically address online schooling. UMALUSI has confirmed that a framework for registering online schools is in the works. Students enroled in online schools, such as Think Digital Academy, can register as homeschoolers when completing their applications.

In summary, the BELA Bill brings some changes to the homeschooling landscape, but it does not change the fundamental right to educate children at home or through alternative methods. For parents and learners choosing online schooling, this remains an excellent option. The upcoming framework for online schools will likely offer even more clarity and support, ensuring that students continue to receive a high-quality education tailored to their needs.

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Exciting new feature alert: Live check-ins for Grades 10-12, GCSE and AS Levels

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We’re absolutely buzzing with excitement to announce the launch of an exciting new feature: Live Check-Ins! This initiative is designed specifically for students in Grades 10-12, GCSE and AS Levels to supercharge their learning and better prepare them for their final exams.

What are live check-ins?

Picture this: joining an engaging live session with a super-smart subject matter expert. These sessions are a golden opportunity for students to connect with teachers and fellow students, fire away those burning questions and dive deep into their subjects.

Why you’ll love live check-ins:

  • Expert guidance: Our brilliant, knowledgeable subject matter experts will share valuable exam tips, tricks and strategies.
  • Interactive learning: Students can work through past papers, discuss typical pitfalls and explore paper trends in a collaborative environment.
  • Peer engagement: Connect with other students, share insights and learn together – making studying feel less like a chore and more like a team sport!
  • Focused preparation: Gain confidence and clarity on challenging topics, ensuring you are well-prepared for your exams.

Schedule and participation (when + how?)

We will be hosting these Live Check-Ins regularly and detailed schedules will be shared on your dashboard under “Termly Planners and Notices” Term 3. You can join sessions relevant to your subjects and grade levels.

We highly encourage everyone to dive in and make the most of these sessions that are designed to supplement your learning and provide you with the tools you need to succeed (and give you the extra edge).

Sessions commence 24 July.

How to Join

  • Log in to your student portal.
  • Navigate to the “Live Check-Ins” section.
  • Select the desired session, RSVP and join at the scheduled time.

We believe that these Live Check-Ins will significantly benefit our students by providing them with additional support and resources as they prepare for their final exams. We encourage all parents to motivate their children to take full advantage of this new feature. Together, we can help our students reach for the stars!

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How to ensure that your Grade 10 – 12 CAPS student is enroled at a registered school

The South African Department of Education (DoE) released findings of an alarming number of unregistered schools across all provinces. The law states that all schools (public and independent) must be registered with the Department of Basic Education at national and provincial level.

Think Digital Academy is registered with SACAI, the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute, and follows the requirements for students to obtain their National Senior Certificate. If a learner is in the FET phase (Grade 10-12) the school should be accredited with one of the three governing bodies for primary and secondary education in South Africa: namely:

  1. Department of Education – The DoE governs all public schools
  2. IEB – The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) governs most private schools and any schools offering the IEB curriculum
  3. SACAI – SACAI governs online schools / distance providers

The matric certificates of all three bodies are issued by Umalusi which gives all students the same opportunity to obtain their NSC certificates. Think Digital Academy registers all FET students (Grade 10, 11 and 12) with SACAI.

Registration grants the applicant school legal authority to offer basic education and enables it to operate within the law. With nearly 26 000 illegitimate educational institutions identified, the government department prioritised on curbing the practice. The problem however, persists, though much has been done to create public awareness of the problem. Hefty fines have been implemented, legislation amended, schools have been closed, and perpetrators have been jailed for creating these bogus schools, which essentially defraud and forge the certificates/qualifications of illegally trained students.

There are two types of schools in South Africa: namely public and independent. While the state controls public schools, the set-up of independent schools, which have their own operations, mission and ethos and essentially, their own curriculum and control, is a complicated process. There are various departments and organisations, like ISASA – the Independent Schools Association of South Africa, which provide schools with vital information and aid to legally start up their establishments. When considering applications, the Department of Education will look at the quality, financial stability, qualifications, legal operations and health and safety of the school. It is also assessed for resources, capacity and expertise. If everything is found to be satisfactory, the school will be issued with a letter and certificate of registration which states the registration number, the phases/grades for which it is registered and the address at which the school is situated. This must be visibly displayed on the school’s premises.

The issue is not all that black and white however. There are indeed fly-by-night schools which advertise courses and qualifications which do not exist, receive payment and cannot deliver the education. There are also however, community-run schools created by parents and families of children living in the rural or poverty laden areas with no other alternative; where there are no other schools, or the formal schools are inadequate or overcrowded. The Department shuns such schools as oftentimes the teachers are not qualified to educate and do more harm than good. A contentious issue indeed, as the Department of Education in 2014 received 20% (R254 billion); the highest share of government’s consolidated expenditure, in the hope of dealing with these kinds of urgent educational needs.

The Department of Education has been very vocal in what you can do to prevent your child from attending an illegitimate school:

  • Obtain the school’s registration number and call your provincial Department to check if it is legit. You can also check with the Umalusi Council, which sets and monitors standards for general and further education or contact the South African Qualifications Authority which deals with accreditation and quality assurance. They are easily found on the web.
  • If your child is attending a brick-and-mortar school, check the school’s premises to your satisfaction. Have all your concerns regarding facilities, health and safety been met?
  • Study and understand the school’s enrolment forms carefully before signing them – make sure your child is registered for the right grade and the right courses in the right language, etc.

Please contact your Provincial Education Department (PED) to register your child for home-schooling for one of the following compulsory phases:

  • Foundation Phase (Grade 1 to 3)
  • Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 to 6)
  • Senior Phase (Grade 7 to 9)

To date, Think Digital Academy parents have never had an issue with the DoE as they are able to provide sufficient “evidence” that schooling is taking place daily. Parents are encouraged to print out the weekly reports that are emailed every Monday, keep a record of all the activities completed in student workbooks and lastly, print out a copy of all student assessments which are emailed to the parents upon completion. Should any parents of a Gr R-9 online learner with TDA ever be paid a visit by a representative from the DoE, the documents collected should suffice in terms of producing evidence of work being done at home.

Any parents who are seeking more guidance with registering their children with the DoE can contact the Pestalozzi Trust, a body of lawyers that represent home-schooling parents.

Everything you need to know about the CAPS curriculum

If you’ve lived in South Africa for more than five years and attended either a government school or private educational institution, you’ve most likely come across the CAPS curriculum at some stage of your life.

But what exactly is it all about and what does it involve? Let’s take a deeper dive below.

The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) is not a new curriculum, but has been around for many years to improve teaching and learning as well to improve the skills and knowledge of many students all over South Africa.

Each Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) is a streamlined, essential document necessary for teaching and learning in all subjects from Grade R to 12.

  • Each subject has one CAPS document that provides details of what needs to be taught and assessed on a grade-by-grade basis.
  • The CAPS are more content-based, prescribing specific content and describing when it needs to be taught.
  • The Foundations for Learning principles are embodied in the CAPS, with the emphasis on Languages and Mathematics.
  • English, as a First Additional Language, is taught from Grade 1.
  • Intermediate Phase subjects are reduced to six. Technology is combined with Natural Sciences, and Arts and Culture is combined with Life Orientation.
  • In the Senior Phase, Arts and Culture is replaced with Creative Arts.
  • Economic and Management Sciences is taught from Grade 7.
  • Annual assessments take place from Grades 1 to 9 and a more critical assessment approach is applied from Grades 10-12.

The CAPS implementation timeline is one calendar year per academic year.

The importance of quality material in learning and teaching is emphasised.

General aim of the CAPS curriculum

The National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12 gives expression to the knowledge, skills and values worth learning in South African schools. This curriculum aims to ensure that children acquire and apply knowledge and skills in ways that are meaningful to their own lives. In this regard, the curriculum promotes knowledge in local contexts, while being sensitive to global imperatives.

Purpose of the CAPS curriculum

The National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12 at Think Digital Academy serves the purposes of:

  • Equipping learners, irrespective of their socio-economic background, race, gender, physical ability or intellectual ability, with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for self-fulfilment and meaningful participation in society as citizens of a free country
  • Providing access to higher education
  • Facilitating the transition of learners from education institutions to the workplace and
  • Providing employers with a sufficient profile of a learner’s competences

What are the aims of teaching the CAPS curriculum at Think Digital Academy?

The CAPS curriculum for Grades R-12 at Think Digital Academy aims to produce learners that are able to:

  • Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking
  • Work effectively as individuals
  • Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information
  • Communicate effectively using visual, symbolic and/or language skills in various modes
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others and
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Find out more about the CAPS curriculum at Think Digital Academy, and read about what to expect from Grades 8 to matric when doing your high school online.

And don’t forget to try out our free two week trial.