The Life Skills subject is crucial to a learner’s holistic development. It is responsible for fostering learners’ social, personal, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth in grades R to 3. This subject aims to guide and prepare learners for life and its possibilities, equipping them for meaningful and successful living in a rapidly changing and transforming society. In this phase, the curriculum has been organized into four study areas: Beginning Knowledge, Personal and Social Well-being, Creative Arts, and Physical Education.
Study Areas
Starting with Beginning Knowledge, this study area draws content and concepts from Social Sciences (History and Geography), Natural Sciences, and Technology. The key concepts and skills related to these disciplines are covered in detail in the curriculum. Personal and Social Well-being is a crucial study area for young learners as it helps them look after themselves, maintain their health, and understand their relationships with others and the environment. Creative Arts expose learners to dance, drama, music, and visual arts, fostering creativity and imagination. Physical Education focuses on developing gross and fine motor skills, balance, and perceptual development.
The importance of the teacher
Teachers play a critical role in the Foundation Phase in providing learners with a safe, clean, and caring environment. They should also provide routine, structured, and free-play activities that are enjoyable and manageable. The timetable should consist of routine activities, free play activities indoors and outdoors, and structured activities. Regular and free-play activities are essential to the Life Skills CAPS document.
Perceptual skills
Perceptual skills are an essential aspect of the Foundation Phase and should be developed across all study areas. Teachers should focus on visual and auditory perception, hand-eye coordination, body image, laterality, dominance, crossing the mid-line, form perception, and spatial orientation, among others. To support the learning process, the teacher should have access to various resources, including bean bags, ropes, hoops, balls, and art materials.
In conclusion, the Life Skills subject in the Foundation Phase is critical to a learner’s holistic development. Teachers play a crucial role in fostering and nurturing the various skills and knowledge areas covered in the subject. By providing a supportive environment, structured activities, and access to resources, teachers can help learners develop a strong foundation for future growth and success.