Die opleiding van laaggeletterde Afrikaanssprekende versorgers in 'n landelike gebied om die taalontwikkeling van kleuters van geboorte tot 4 jaar te stimuleer

Abstract

This dissertation researches the connection between the training of low literate child carers in a ruraI area to stimulate the language development of children from birth to 4 years, and school performance, Here it is argued that the problem of the low literacy performance of ruraI learners manifests within the first year of school and that the potential to solve the problem can be found in the first four years of a child's life. All the intervention strategies of the Department of Education failed to produce the expected results while the Department of Social development focuses on the physical needs of the young child. The literature study underlines the importance of the first four years and how interpersonal relationships influence children's emotional well being, their behaviour and ability to learn. The role of the child carer in the life of the child in relation to their language development is researched, because of the time they spend together during the day. Attention is focussed on the relationship between the educator and the child and the influence of the hidden curriculum on the development of attitudes and values of the child carer during training. Training was used by the researcher as a method to investigate the learning needs and problems of low literate child carers in order to stimulate the language development of children before the age of five. Existing training programmes for child carers were critically investigated to use for the training. The researcher came to the conclusion that this research can be the first phase of a project where different role players can cooperate. Educators and community developers can interact with communities to promote awareness