Leading expert advice from Wingu Academy
Wingu Academy

Cyber Wellness – how to protect children in a cyber world

The internet is a vast and expansive space. It allows us to connect, create and become whoever we want to be. It provides unlimited opportunities and freedom one can only imagine. However, within all the space and freedom, there is also danger. This danger could include people with malicious intentions, scams and even bullies.  For this reason, the concept of Cyber Wellness has become an imperative part of our Wingu vocabulary. Cyber Wellness refers to an individual’s feelings of safety and positivity regarding online spaces. It also refers to one’s capacity to be able to protect themselves and others, from internet dangers.  While there is a wide range of tips, tricks and rules that Wingu learners and internet users everywhere should follow; the way individuals engage with others on the internet is constantly changing! “Think about it; one of the main rules of using the internet when I was a child was don’t talk to strangers! However, young people these days, meet most of their friends through social media or gaming platforms. Therefore, just providing learners with a standard, one-size fits all set of rules, is ineffective. We need to teach learners more than how to follow rules. We need to teach them to think on their feet in order to protect and promote their Cyber Wellness,” says Jenna Chetty from the Wingu Wellness Hub. One of the ways we can do this is by helping learners strengthen and enforce their boundaries. A boundary is basically the rule that you set, about how others are allowed to treat you. A learner with strong boundaries can easily identify when behaviour is inappropriate and put a stop to it immediately. Another way to teach learners how to protect themselves, is by helping them foster resilience. Resilience is simply the ability to bounce back, after experiencing something unfavourable or unkind. Due to the freedom the internet allows, it is almost inevitable that children will be exposed to harmful images, language, opinions and people who want to break their confidence. Resilience will allow them to stand up again, after being knocked down by other people’s irresponsible use of online spaces. Lastly, we can promote Cyber Wellness by teaching learners how to be responsible online. If we want to experience positive internet spaces, we need to be an injection of positivity every time we enter an online space. This means that we are always respectful, do not judge and always treat others the way we want to be treated. Of course, the general tips and tricks such as don’t talk to strangers, don’t share your password, don’t engage with bullies etc, are still important! We just want to offer learners more than the standard procedure for Cyber Wellness. Therefore, Wingu Wellness has developed a three-session Cyber Wellness Course for our Wingulians. The sessions focus on the three topics mentioned above. Namely, boundaries, resilience and promoting cyber wellness. It also includes the tips and tricks, as well as an in-depth look into what learners can do if they are being cyber-bullied. If you have any questions about cyber wellness or the course, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected] The concepts of Cyber Wellness and Cyber Safety are evolving and ever-changing. So, don’t feel discouraged if you don’t have all the answers.  The most important thing is to be there for your child and keep the communication channels open.

April 22, 2022
Wingu Academy

How to achieve deeper learning

Deeper learning is an educational outcome where students develop the ability to apply their knowledge in new contexts, to extend their ideas and to critically and creatively solve problems. Deeper learning should encourage self-directed learning, academic mastery, working collaboratively and communicating effectively. This stands in contrast to learning which focuses on students simply recalling and regurgitating information to pass a standardized series of tests or checkpoints. As an example, when students are presented with a study of World War 2, a student who displays only the ability to reproduce facts, would be able to name dates associated with the war, as well as prominent figures or events, but would fail to answer essay type questions of which the content could not be memorized beforehand. But a student who possesses deeper learning skills, would, for example, be able to argue what the socioeconomic and political circumstances were that led to this war, by critically interpreting the narrative of the events. Unfortunately, through the traditional education system’s standardized and lecture based approach, deeper learning is often not encouraged in the classroom. There are however, numerous ways in which educators can encourage deeper learning in their students, as will be discussed below. Parents who are home schooling their children might also be interested in finding out how they can achieve deeper learning outcomes through their parent-led teaching. And other home schooling parents who make use of a curriculum service provider should ensure that their chosen provider employs strategies that leads to deeper learning outcomes. 1.  Contextualize learning Humans are emotional beings. We remember things better if we can feel some personal connection to it. This explains why we can remember the plots of movies or films even long after we’ve finished watching or reading it, as we relate to the characters and circumstances. But how can we leverage this to enable deeper learning of academic content? The answer is to contextualize the work being learned. For example, instead of just teaching students about the basics of atmospheric pressure, contextualize the learning by asking them to consider why their ears block when an airplane rapidly climbs or descends. As this is something that students may have experienced before, presenting the information in this way allows students to integrate this new-found knowledge into their pre-existing reference framework, which in turn enables them to visualize and understand the underlying principles better. A quote by Dr. David Bilkey explains this well: “Most of the time, when you are presented with new information, you will remember it much better if you can integrate it into your pre-existing scaffold – your knowledge of the world and how it works”. Another wonderful way in which educators contextualize learning, is to demonstrate to students how certain knowledge and skills are applied to real world careers. For example, if you know someone in the field of forensic anthropology, why not invite them to give a presentation on their work, once the students start studying the skeletal system in Biology. 2.  Empower students to take charge of their own learning Inquiry based learning is a great tool to help students reach deeper learning outcomes. Getting students invested in projects, such as to design a crash safety system for an egg dropped from a building, or to redesign an app, allows them to actively participate in the problem solving process and encourages critical thinking. For example, if students are tasked to design an app that can track the energy expenditure of a household, the students will have to think critically and creatively about the different metrics involved, and how these will be monitored. These kind of projects also afford students the opportunity to work in groups, which teaches them essential communication and collaboration skills. These kind of projects can also afford an opportunity to create a community of learning. Older students can act as mentors to younger students, to encourage an environment of collaboration. Furthermore, a clever way to get students invested in their learning, is to personalize the learning according to their age group, or to the individual student themselves. Most upper and lower secondary students know recently popularized superhero movies. Incorporating examples of these characters into the explanation of certain concepts can be the “hook” that gets students invested in the underlying subject matter. For example, when explaining conservation of momentum, sketch a scenario where Ironman and Captain Marvel are involved in a collision, instead of using more generic examples. Want to teach students essay writing skills? Instead of presenting students with a predefined list of topics or prompts, involve students in their learning by having them draw up their own list of prompts from which to choose, in class. 3.  Leverage technology Technology can be a brilliant way through which to encourage deeper learning in students of all ages. However, as with all tools, the power of technology as an educational medium, lies in the way in which it is implemented. By using computer programs such as spreadsheet software to handle complex data, or collaborative cloud computing tools such as shared drives and cloud based software (Google docs, Google slides), students are encouraged to effectively communicate and collaborate, whilst developing research and critical thinking skills. In an online learning management system, interactive games, quizzes and simulations can be used to guide self-directed learning, where incentives such as badges or a gamified leader board can encourage students to attain academic mastery of subject topics. Furthermore, technology associated with the 4th industrial revolution is increasingly shaping the way in which we work, and it is also shaping the future career landscape in which our current students will find themselves upon graduation. Using technology to teach students vital 4IR skills is essential, and can be used to enable a rich, deeper learning experience. For example, additive manufacturing (3D printing) has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Students can be taught Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills, which – if integrated with their knowledge of coding and electronics – can be used to design systems that

April 14, 2022
Wingu Academy

Thrive with your tribe – enroll in a social club today!

Social interaction has always been a concern for many parents of home-schooled children. Wingu Academy who is SA’s best rated provider for online schooling from home has never seen this as a challenge, but rather as an opportunity to provide learners with an array of Social Clubs and activities to belong to, and “thrive with their tribe”. Current clubs range from the usual chess and study groups to fitness, photography, science, anime to gaming clubs. In fact, learners at Wingu Academy are so excited about the clubs that the school can boast an amazing 60% of learners have already enrolled in one or more social clubs. “We believe that it all has to do with being in touch with our learners’ interests and offering the activities that are most relevant to them,” says Ross Laubscher, Student Development Team Leader at Wingu Academy. One of the most popular clubs is the Gaming Club with 106 students enrolled in this club alone. We even have our very own Minecraft server!  Minecraft is a popular, child-friendly computer game that combines exploration and survival skills in a unique and fun way. In simple terms, it’s like digital LEGO – which you can use to create anything from a small hut to a huge, sprawling metropolis. Where the only constraint is your imagination! It is also a great educational tool that is being used all over the world to teach valuable skills such as mathematics, problem-solving and basic programming. Wingu released its very own locally hosted Minecraft server, exclusively designed for Wingu learners. It offers a safe place where learners can connect and play with classmates, outside of the classroom. They can collaborate on big projects, by using teamwork to collect resources efficiently, build structures faster, and share ideas. The server hosts both design and Redstone challenges that are intended to encourage not only innovative and creative designs, but also technical skills. This is just one of the 10 awesome clubs for learners to participate in. To much excitement and on request, a science club was introduced this year for all the budding young scientists calling themselves “The Experimentals”. In this club, we will be exploring the wonderfully wild, weird and wacky world of science, while having fun with some at-home experiments and science project. Belonging to a social club has many benefits: Learners can interact with each other outside of school. It provides a sense of belonging with like-minded learners. It keeps learners entertained while learning new skills. It provides a platform for teachers and learners to connect on a more personalised level. It promotes healthy competition among the learners, which is an important life skill to learn in order to thrive with resilience. Some of the clubs have presidents and club panels and this fosters responsibility and leadership skills “We launched the Wingu Social Clubs as a way to accentuate the holistic development of our learners and provide a safe and fun space for our Wingulians to make friends and learn more about topics they are interested in outside the curriculum. Wingu is truly the closest you will ever feel whilst distance learning.” says Panashe Tiffany Saungweme, Associate Director of Human Capital at Wingu Academy.

March 7, 2022
Wingu Academy

Wingu iAS Level Laboratory Kits – pioneering the way to give learners real-life experience

After months of planning and development, Wingu Academy is proud to introduce our iAS level learners to Wingu’s own unique laboratory kits. As per the requirements to pass Chemistry, Biology, or Physics on iAS level; learners are required to write a practical exam where they need to perform several laboratory experiments under supervision. “To ensure that our students receive the absolute best quality education from the comfort of their home or educational center, Wingu; with the assistance of specialists in the respective courses, designed unique laboratory kits that contain everything learners need to gain real-life experience working with laboratory equipment,” says Ian Strydom, Managing Director of Wingu Academy. All the kits are designed with the safety of learners in mind, without impeding on the skills they require to pass their final practical exam. Under the guidance of our Lab Masters the learners will explore the exciting practical world, having fun while learning as is synonymous with Wingu.  In Biology the learners will explore the tiny world of plant and animal materials through their very own microscope; learn how to identify different biological molecules and discover the wondrous mechanisms of enzymes. Our Physics kits will transform our learners into real life physicists by teaching them how to use the scientific method to control electrons through building electric circuits and how to bend forces to their will using springs. But the most exciting kit of all is our one-of-a-kind Chemistry kit. This kit will have learners feeling like mad scientists, giving them the opportunity to experience chemical reactions firsthand in their own miniature laboratory. With the guidance of our skilled Lab Master, the learners will learn how to perform titrations; identify specific chemical molecules and what the effect of temperature is on the rate of a chemical reaction, and a whole lot more. Our first practical sessions started in February, and we are super excited to hear the feedback from our young scientists!

February 18, 2022
Wingu Academy

How to become a super organised Wingulian

At Wingu Academy we encourage our Wingulians to develop good study habits and get organised from the word go. According to daniel-wong.com here are some of the top tips to get organised, focused and avoid falling behind. 1. Develop a routine Consistency is the key to student success. So write down your general weekly schedule and create a routine. Include things like when you’ll do your homework, when you’ll review the things you’ve learned, when you’ll exercise, and so on. It’s not possible to stick to a routine 100% of the time, but at least set up the framework to keep you focused and on track. 2. Set rules for yourself Set some very specific rules for yourself. These could be things like “complete all projects and assignments at least two days before they are due” or “start studying for tests at least one week in advance”. Review your rules once a month and adjust them if necessary. 3. Work on one task at a time; don’t multitask One of the most important organisational tips for students is to focus on one task at a time. Multitasking seems like a good idea because you can pretend that you’re working twice as hard. We all get bored of the tasks we’re working on, so jumping about seems more fun. The problem is that it doesn’t result in the best outcomes. Here’s what I recommend: Take a scrap piece of paper and write down the task you’re working on right now, e.g. Math assignment, questions 1 to 5. Put that scrap piece of paper on your study table, to serve as a reminder for you to stay focused on the task at hand. 4. Keep one notebook and one binder for each subject Take all your notes for one subject in one notebook. When you run out of space, start a new notebook. Label each notebook clearly, e.g. History Notebook 1, History Notebook 2. This will make it easy for you to find the information you need in the future. Don’t take notes on loose sheets of paper you may lose. Also, don’t just use only one notebook, in which you take notes across all your different subjects. 5. Do five minutes of daily planning each day Before you start doing your homework or studying for a test, look at your planner first. Take note of all upcoming deadlines, and think about your schedule for the rest of the day. Then you can decide what specific tasks to work on for the day. Doing daily planning will ensure that you’re always working on the most important tasks, and that you don’t leave anything out. 6. Block out time in your schedule for the things that matter most Blocking out time in your schedule is a critical time management strategy for students. If you don’t do this, other things which are less important will fill your schedule. 7. Break down big tasks into smaller tasks Breaking down big tasks and projects makes them seem less overwhelming and more manageable. Doing this also makes it clearer what your specific next step is, so you’ll be less likely to procrastinate on your assignments. 8. If a task takes two minutes or less to do, do it immediately The “two-minute rule” was popularised by productivity expert David Allen. When you follow this rule, small tasks don’t pile up and become overwhelming. Things like texting a friend, sending your classmate some information via email, or asking your parents to sign a consent form are all quick tasks that take less than two minutes to complete. When you do these tasks immediately, you’ll feel a sense of achievement too. 9. Create a conducive environment at home for studying You need to have the right environment to work. You need all the necessary materials, stationery, paper and study tools. You also need a suitable table and lamp. And if you want to be productive, you definitely shouldn’t study on your bed! 10. Before you start work, eliminate all distractions Take a moment and think about the distractions you typically face when you’re trying to study. Common ones include text messages, notifications on your phone, social media and YouTube. 11. Every day, review all the new information you learned in school earlier that day A quick review of the key concepts should only take you about 20 minutes. Doing this helps to ensure understanding, so you stay on top of the material. If you really can’t do this review on the same day, do it the following day while the information is still fresh in your mind. 12. Keep an ongoing list of the questions you have about the class material As you read your notes and the textbook, keep a list of the things you don’t understand and the questions you have. As soon as you’re able to, ask your teachers about the items on your list. If you do this consistently, you won’t need to spend so much time studying for tests and exams, because you already understand the information. These are only some of Daniel Wong’s tips.  He has lots more in his article: https://www.daniel-wong.com/2017/04/10/students-get-organised-for-school/ It may seem overwhelming, but adopting one new habit at a time will take you further then you know until you’re comfortable to tackle the next one.  Remember that your journey as a student is about progress and not perfection.

February 11, 2022
Wingu Academy

Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning hub provides a unique learning space for learners to thrive with their tribe

Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning Hub has officially opened its doors to learners between 6 – 18 years. Wingu Academy offers the internationally recognised British curriculum and has recently also introduced Grade 10 CAPS. Wingu’s CAPS curriculum is SACAI accredited and will be expanded from 2023. Wingu’s Learning Hub provides a safe space for a blended learning approach which allows learners to learn from home or get support in person at the Learning Hub. It offers the opportunity for children to have access half or full day at the hub, as well as a 3-day or 5-day option per week. This provides a unique level of flexibility between working at home or hub with uninterrupted education for learners as an alternative to attending a traditional school.  Learners can engage and interact with fellow learners in a safe and friendly environment that promotes learning and personal growth. The Learning Hub further provides support such as learning spaces to attend seminars and tutorials, collaborative learning spaces, learning coaches, science and robotics laboratory access and a variety of extra-curricular support.   Learners are encouraged to take part in activities such as sports, drama, art, music and many others as part of the school’s extracurricular programme. “We understand that the development and learning of our learners requires a balance of academic and personal development in and outside the Academy and Hub. Taking part in physical and cultural activities provides an invaluable opportunity for children to develop physical, emotional and cognitive skills,” says Leza Petersen, Wingu Centurion Learning Hub Manager.  Some of the activities are presented at the Learning Hub, which also lighten the burden on parents, whilst other activities are accommodated at trusted service providers.  The host of activities include: Arts & Performance  Drama Swimming Arts & Crafts  Music Baking Horse-riding lessons / Equine Therapy  Golf Hockey Drone Club Chess Science  Early Childhood Development STEM principles  Robotics  Software Engineering  Wingu Academy believes these unique learning opportunities will assist children to thrive in a positive environment to build trust, coordination, teamwork, motivation, attitude and mobility and foster a spirit of healthy competition with fellow Wingulians (Wingu Academy learners). Enrolments are still open until mid-February 2022. To join Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning Hub or for more information, you can book a free consultation session at: https://wingu-academy.com/book-now/ or send an email to [email protected]. The Learning Hub Manager can be contacted directly on email: [email protected] or mobile:  084 552 6546.

February 4, 2022
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Impaq

Five tips on how to motivate your teen during lockdown

Many teenagers are stereotyped as lazy and unmotivated children who want nothing more than to sleep in, socialise with friends and entertain themselves with their smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles. But this stereotype isn’t really fair at all. It’s an understandable stereotype because this behaviour is what parents see, but it’s ultimately misguided. Teenagers can be, and are, motivated when they have reason to be, and when this motivation is properly instilled. Here we discuss five tips on how to motivate your teenager.

June 12, 2020
Impaq

Fun educational activities to do with your children during lockdown

Having to stay at home is hard for everyone, especially children who would otherwise be at school. When they’re not doing their lessons or homework, they might get frustrated or restless. This is tough to contend with, especially when the alternative is often hours spent on smartphones, tablets or game consoles. But we’ve rounded up a few fun and educational activities you can do with your children at home, regardless of how old they are, or at what stage they are in their learning journey.

June 5, 2020
Impaq

Studying from home: Impaq learners and parents share their tips

Many learners who normally attend traditional schools have temporarily become homeschoolers due to the national lockdown. While some are finding it easy to adjust others are struggling. We wanted to help, so we asked the experts: Impaq’s learners and parents. They successfully study from home all year round, so we asked them to share their creative tips and tricks on how to study from home during the lockdown.

May 26, 2020
Impaq

Tips for studying from home during lockdown

Keeping up with your studies during the national lockdown? Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or usually attend a traditional school, keeping up with your studies during lockdown can be challenging. You’re confined to your home with family members around. To succeed in studying at home, you need to be prepared and become actively involved in your studies.

May 19, 2020
Impaq

Teacher shares what it’s like teaching during lockdown

The national lockdown due to COVID-19 has not only seen many parents temporarily become teachers but it has also changed the way many teachers teach. While some struggled to make the transition to online teaching, others did not have quite such a hard time. We asked a local teacher to share his advice on how to teach during the national lockdown.

May 15, 2020
Impaq

How to work and homeschool your kids

The national lockdown due to COVID-19 has seen many learners who normally attend a traditional school temporarily become homeschoolers. Parents in turn now have to juggle working from home and educating their children. And, while it might seem like a daunting task at first, the flexible nature of home education means that you can work and homeschool your kids. With some planning, flexibility, teamwork, and creative scheduling, it can be done.

May 8, 2020
Impaq

Preparing for Big School: Practical exercises to do at home

One of the most memorable days of your child’s schooling career is most definitely the first day of Grade 1. This day comes with a combination of different emotions from excitement to uncertainty and the question most parents wonder about:

April 24, 2020
Impaq

The importance of practice in your learning journey

It is no secret that practice is a crucial element in the learning journey and is effective in many different educational contexts. Proverbs such as “practice is the best master” and “practice makes perfect” all contain a grain of truth, and in this article, we discuss why this is the case.

April 16, 2020
Parenting Hub

Coronavirus and homeschool-parenting

The world is reeling! Panic buying due to the lockdown on Thursday has left most people feeling overwhelmed, helpless and a little frightened. It is unprecedented and we are all trying to cope with the uncertainties of our current reality as best as we can. Cindy Glass, Owner and Founder of Step Up Education Centres explains, “We are all in the same boat and it is essential to understand that, at this time, there are things that are out of our control – the virus itself, other people’s reactions and government’s decision to lock down institutions, borders and other activities. The GOOD news is that there are many things that we CAN control – our own attitudes and reactions, personal hygiene, social distancing and of course, homeschooling!”

April 14, 2020
ROCA Kids Furniture and Decor

Home Schooling is here……

Well I used to look at those parents who chose the home school option and thought wow that is impressive. I would never be able to do that. This is a lesson indeed, excuse the pun, but homeschooling has come knocking at my door very quickly. Well it was pretty much the only thing knocking at my door for weeks, so I had no choice but to reluctantly let it in.

April 13, 2020
Impaq

Ten tips to help you cope with school closures

After the announcement of school closures by President Cyril Ramaphosa, many parents are worried that their children might fall behind with their schoolwork. This as public schools closed two days earlier and are likely to only reopen after the Easter weekend.

April 2, 2020
Impaq

Homeschooling: The importance of having a dedicated study space

For a learner to get information from the textbook into their long-term memories requires many cognitive functions. In this blog article, we’ll explore the role of a dedicated study space for a homeschool learner and try to answer why this is important. To answer this question, we look to cognitive load theory.

March 16, 2020
Impaq

My child has unique academic needs. How can Impaq help?

At Impaq, we know that every child is unique. Every learner studies at his/her own pace and some might need to spend more time on certain subjects to ensure they grasp the basic concepts. We aim to help learners, who have unique academic needs, achieve their goals.

February 11, 2020
Impaq

How to improve your matric results

You just received your matric results and they weren’t what you expected. Maybe you didn’t get the required marks to receive a National Senior Certificate (NSC). Or, you got your NSC, but you didn’t achieve the symbols required to apply to the tertiary institution or course of your dreams. Luckily, you have a few options when it comes to improving your matric results.

February 6, 2020
Impaq

Life skills curriculum in the media: Where does Impaq stand?

The Sunday Times article, ‘Sex lessons for modern grade 4s in new life orientation curriculum’ (12 May 2019), drew strong reactions from educators and parents alike. The article discussed the Department of Basic Education’s proposed changes to the content for sex education as part of the life skills curriculum. According to the article, the revised content includes explicit details for learners as young as ten. The department argues that the inclusion of sex education in the curriculum is aligned to UNESCO’s international technical guidance on sexuality education. In response to the article, the Department of Education denied that explicit information will be included in new textbooks.

November 13, 2019
Impaq

How bullying can affect your child’s mental health

We’ve all heard the saying, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. But recent research shows that that is not the case. In their book Words Can Change Your Brain, Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman write: “A single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress.” The saying would perhaps then be more accurate if changed to sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can change my brain.

November 5, 2019
Impaq

What bullying looks like and what to do about it

Bullying has three defining characteristics – it is deliberate (a bully intends to hurt someone), it is repeated (the behaviour continues over time), and it is power imbalanced (bullies pick on those they perceive as weaker).  While bullying takes many forms – verbal, physical, emotional – the results are always destructive. Recognising the warning signs is an important first step in taking action. The following signs may point to bullying:  Unexplainable injuries. Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics or other valuables. Feeling sick or faking an illness, and frequent head or stomach aches.  Changes in eating habits, such as binge eating or suddenly skipping meals.  Being unusually anxious, nervous, upset, teary, angry and withdrawn.  Difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares or bedwetting. A sudden and significant drop in marks, loss of interest in schoolwork or not wanting to go to school. Avoidance of social situations and other activities. Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem. Running away from home, self-harming or talking about suicide. What to do if you’re being bullied Tell someone If you or someone you know is being bullied the first thing you need to do is tell someone you trust (a parent, sibling, friend, uncle/aunt or a teacher) about the bullying. Tell them to stop Bullies often prey on individuals they perceive as weaker. Try acting confident and assertive and tell the bully to stop. Bullies might also be caught off guard if you brush their comments off with humour or say nothing and walk away.  Find safety in numbers  Keep yourself surrounded by people and always find a friend to walk with or to eat lunch with. To read more about what to do if you or someone you know is being bullied, click here. Remember that home education allows parents to offer their children emotional reinforcement, to help boost their confidence and self-esteem so they can learn and grow in a safe, supportive and loving environment.  By Danielle Barfoot

October 21, 2019
Impaq

A day in the life of a homeschooling family

So, you want to know what a typical day is like for a homeschooling family? That’s one of the best things about home education (also known as homeschooling) – there are no typical days! When educating your children at home, a “typical day” is as unique as each of the families choosing this education option.

October 7, 2019
Impaq

With Impaq, learning to read is fun

Learners in the Foundation Phase (Grade R to 3) should be introduced to reading in a fun and engaging way. And, that’s exactly what the Impaq readers do. The books accommodate different levels of reading and allow young learners to join in the adventures of Ben, Lebo and Hanna. The main characters are from different ethnic backgrounds and genders, which ensures that learners relate to one or more of the characters and help them grow with the stories.  The books start with basic sight words to help learners recognise words earlier. Phonics are engraved at the learner’s own pace as the readers help learners spend enough time on each phonic before moving onto the next one. Reading structure  The reading structure is divided into three groups: Phonics Here the learners learn each letter of the alphabet and they learn how to spell words. High-frequency words This includes words such as this, the, that, etc. These words are written on flashcards and learners practise them daily so that they can easily recognise them while they read. Sight words These are longer words that learners will not learn off by heart and that should be placed where learners can see them every day, i.e. up on the wall so that they will eventually start to recognise the words. Sight words can be used along with the theme of the week, e.g. if the theme of the week is careers, sight words can include firefighter, policeman, nurse, etc. Learning to read is fun Impaq learner, Sindisiwe Rangaza, attended a rural pre-school and struggled to adjust in Grade 1. She particularly struggled with learning English and Afrikaans. Her mother, Patricia, bought Impaq’s reading books to help her daughter develop her reading skills.  “The Impaq books made learning fun and easy,” Patricia says. Sindisiwe has since developed a love for reading and writing and is doing well in learning to speak English and Afrikaans. Before buying the Impaq readers Patricia struggled to keep Sindisiwe busy during the school holidays but, as you can see in the photo below, she is now reading up a storm. The Impaq readers are unique: Broadens the learners’ vocabulary. Teaches learners how to read longer sentences and develops peripheral view. Consists of 12 phases that stretch from Grade 1 to 3. Can be used independently or as part of an integrated language or phonics programme.  Learners are taught to think, talk and become familiar with basic language rules while exercising their knowledge of English/Afrikaans. The Impaq readers are aligned with the CAPS curriculum. As learners progress through the phases, they will follow Ben, Lebo and Hanna and experience thrilling adventures. Click here to learn more about the Impaq readers or to order yours online.

October 3, 2019
Impaq

To be, or not to be a homeschooling family: Our experience

Dené worked hard and obtained her National Senior Certificate through Impaq at the end of 2012. She got accepted to the University of Pretoria and started her BA Drama in 2013. Dené has passed her master’s degree in Drama and Film Studies from UP with distinction – with the feedback that she achieved the highest mark in the department’s history! She shares her advice to current and future Impaq learners, parents, guardians, and tutors:

September 6, 2019
Impaq

Will your preschooler cope with the demands of school?

When your child turns 6 it usually means that it’s their last year in preschool. In a year, your child will need to start primary school, but how do you know that your child will cope with the formal demands of school? Or be able to function to his/her full potential? As a parent, you may have lots of questions about this new phase in your child’s life. You would want to know that your child is ready to start their learning journey. If your child is not ready, it could influence his/her academic performance.

August 28, 2019
Impaq

Impaq helps learners prepare for the real world

Home education (or homeschooling) helps learners prepare for the real world as homeschool learners learn the art of self-study. Ravon Venter, an Impaq alumnus, says that studying through Impaq helped him develop better self-discipline. He also credits Impaq with giving him the qualifications he needed to find a job he is passionate about.

August 6, 2019
Impaq

Impaq’s Top Achievers Share Their Advice

While most matrics are getting ready for the preliminary examinations, we thought we would look back at Impaq’s top achievers for 2018 to see if they have any advice for this year’s matrics.

July 31, 2019
Impaq

PARENTAL SELF-CARE

In the previous articles I have spoken about the ADD/ADHD child but what about the parents? As the last of these articles, it is important to talk about parents of children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is hard work having an ADHD child and few parents who do not have one understand and recognise this. ADHD children can impact hugely on family dynamics and the parental relationship.

July 22, 2019
Impaq

How to help your child make their subject selections in Grade 9

This time of the year Grade 9 learners need to make their subject selections for next year, but parents often do not know how to guide them. Educational psychologist, Lizette Erasmus, share some insightful guidelines on subject selections and how they will guide your child’s career choices in South Africa.

July 12, 2019
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