An assessment that was done in 2000 highlighted the need for parents to be active and understanding of their children’s schoolwork.
According to Résa Arendse, a grade head at Elridge Primary School, the assessment that was done on Grade Three pupils, revealed Gauteng pupils were graded the lowest in the world.
“Too many pupils come from child-headed homes or homes where grandparents or parents can’t read and because of that children don’t get help with their homework,” Arendse said.
She has classes every Tuesday night with parents where she teaches them phonetics and how to spell and pronounce words.
“The classes are brilliant, my child now pronounces words properly and I can see the progress in how we build sentences,” Ronel Tibbets, a parent said.
Parents who attend the classes all agree that they learn a lot.
“My son learnt faster after we knew about phonics, although he is an introvert he wants to show me what he has learnt and the same goes for me,” Tamlyne Winnaar said.
Arendse has been holding the classes for years and said parents requested for her to continue.
“I usually have these classes until July but I’m continuing because parents requested that I do,” Arendse said.
Another parent, Liezal Meas said before attending the classes, she would spell words the way she deemed correct.
“My child would correct me. We (parents) have become very intelligent in these classes,” Meas said.
Through the classes, parents have learnt how to support their children in all aspects of learning.
They are trained to do mental mathematics and problem solving.
Anton Foster said he grew up speaking Afrikaans and teaching his child in English was difficult and intimidating.
“These classes are helpful when I help my child with homework. My child also teaches younger siblings,” Foster said.
What parents are taught is not applied to one grade or age group, it is used as long as English communication is concerned.
“I am still learning writing skills at University,” Billy Hufkie said.
Shorthand that is used in texting also a common way of communicating and parent Nomsa Mahlangu said classes help her use the full words.
“The abbreviations we use in SMS’s are incorrect but we learn to use the proper words, our children are also taught this at a young age,” Mahlangu said.
Arendse revises every week for parents who missed a class.
