Introduction
In today’s rapidly changing world, it is becoming increasingly important for students to develop a range of life skills that will equip them with the necessary tools to succeed in their personal and professional lives. The South African Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) recognizes the importance of life skills education and includes it as a critical component of the curriculum across all phases of schooling.
The intermediate phase, which covers grades 4 to 6, is a critical stage in a child’s development and provides an ideal opportunity to introduce and reinforce essential life skills. These skills enhance academic performance and promote emotional intelligence, social competence, and responsible decision-making.
In this article, we will explore the importance of life skills education in the intermediate phase and examine the CAPS life skills curriculum in detail. We will also provide practical strategies for teaching life skills, offer examples of life skills activities, and discuss evaluating and assessing life skills development. By the end of this article, teachers will clearly understand how to integrate life skills education into their intermediate phase classrooms effectively.
