Teacha! Blog

How often are students told that in order to have a successful career, they must excel at subjects like Mathematics or Science? And yes, to be an engineer, a doctor, or even a pilot is an admirable and needed profession, but what impact would it have if we emphasised, from early on, the benefits of […]

‘If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.’ Dr Wayne Dyer As individuals, we all have specific ways that we experience life. This is influenced by our personalities and our personalities define who we are as teachers.  Same personality, different teacher I am a very different teacher now […]

Teachers sometimes just don’t have the time to read up on the latest teaching pedagogies, the newest technological invention or even the ‘must haves’ that promise to transform the way we teach. Teachers sometimes just don’t have the time to read up on the latest teaching pedagogies, the newest technological invention or even the ‘must […]

As a young boy in a family of ten, I often accompanied my father to his work at Sigalagala National Polytechnic – a technical and vocational training institute in western Kenya. Occasionally, I would sneak into the institution’s power mechanics workshops, just to marvel at the huge machines and listen to my father impart knowledge […]

Earlier this year, we spoke to the world-renowned literacy expert and KEY LINKS author, Jill Eggleton, and CHASE co-founder, Lynne Beachy Head about the iconic KEY LINKS Guided Reading series. The publisher also ran a competition for schools to win a full set of KEY LINKS books. Children learn to read best when they hear […]

Martin Gustafsson, Stellenbosch University Teacher supply and demand is a complex matter. The ultimate aim is to have a teacher in front of every class, now and for the foreseeable future. This also implies an ideal class size. The quality of teachers is obviously important too – and a topic for another occasion. In South […]

In many ways, teaching can feel quite isolating. ‘It’s just me and my kids, taking on the monster of curriculum outcomes and hoping that we win.’ And that was before we started living in this seemingly post-apocalyptic world that is notoriously lacking human connection. The virus-that-shall-not-be-named has forced us to use technology to connect with […]

The 2021 Juta Survey of South African Students, which surveyed hundreds of students at 25 public universities across the country, concluded on Friday, 25 June 2021. The results of the survey paint a bleak picture about the state of our students’ wellbeing during the pandemic and demand urgent action from stakeholders in the higher education […]

‘You don’t understand … I was born with social media around. If I lose my phone, it’s like … well, I lose an arm.’ This was said to me by a 15-year-old learner who had just lost her phone. I am sure you can relate somewhat: who hasn’t been in the same situation – that […]

As part of the Rainbow Nation, we often get to experience a variety of cultures, races and religious beliefs in one classroom. Being mindful of this enables us as teachers to make teaching more relevant. Where you teach will influence how you teach, as each culture has its own traditions and needs. Being an effective […]

In February, the Department of Basic Education confirmed that it would officially get going with the introduction of Coding and Robotics in South African schools. As it awaits feedback from the regulator on the proposed curriculum, Dr Benadette Aineamani, Director of Product & Services at global education group Pearson Africa believes that aspects such as […]

In this resource collection, you’ll find Maths and Maths Literacy worksheets, tests and additional resources for grades 10, 11 and 12. Quadratic functions: Matching activity By: Stephanie’s Store This cut and paste activity consists of 12 parabola graphs. Each graph should be matched with two equations: one in vertex/turning point form; the other in standard […]

Comprehension plays an essential role in language learning. Check out these great comprehension, reading and language-in-context resources. Rules for doing a comprehension (poster) By: Shop with Sarah – Teaching Resources This colour poster is perfect to print and place in the classroom (grades 4 to 7) to remind children how to set out and complete […]

On average, 50% of students say they don’t know how to study effectively.  Exams are around the corner and, if you haven’t already started, you still have time to prepare your students to ace this exam season.  6 study tips for learners Share these guidelines with your students to help them get ready to write:  […]

Change things up in the classroom with these great educational games, covering everything spelling, memorising, drawing, virtual gaming, and more. CVC word card game (Uno) By: Sassie South African This packet is designed to offer a FUN and ENGAGING way to practise short a, e, i, o, u words.While Uno is originally played with a […]