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Our Programmes
We run four main programmes, in partnership with preschools, schools, libraries and community organisations:
- training volunteers to assist young children as they learn to read and write through the Ready Steady Read Write Programme
- empowering parents to support learning in the home though the Home-School Partnerships Programme
- providing training and resources for teachers to strengthen literacy teaching in Grade R (Stellar Home Language)
- giving parents and caregivers of babies and young children practical ideas to build language and encourage learning in a loving, supportive way in the Every Word Counts Programme
Please click on the tabs in this section to get an overview of each one.
This programme can be used across a range of community settings to introduce those who care for and work with babies and young children to new knowledge about early learning and practical ideas for supporting the development of language, early literacy and maths concepts, from birth to 5 years of age.
Wordworks trains trainers and equips organisations to integrate the programme and resources into their work with parents and caregivers through home visits or parenting group sessions. ECD practitioners and playgroup facilitators can use what they learn through Every Word Counts in their daily interactions with children in pre-schools and playgroups.
This programme is for parents and caregivers of babies and children up to 5 years of age. More information …
This programme is designed to strengthen language and emergent literacy in Grade R classrooms. It is interactive, activity-rich and CAPS-aligned and is built around a 2-week story-based framework.
Wordworks trains trainers to offer this resourcebased programme to Grade R teachers. The teacher training integrates theory and practice, giving opportunity for reflection and planning. It deepens teachers’ understanding of the vital role they play in
building language and literacy, and equips them to partner with parents.
The programme is for Grade R teachers working with children aged 5 – 6 years. More information …
This programme is designed to facilitate a learning space for parents in which to share knowledge and ideas about children’s language and early literacy development. The programme builds co-operation between families and schools, and encourages parents in their role as their children’s first teachers.
Wordworks trains, provides resources and mentors teachers to facilitate weekly workshops for groups of parents of children aged four to eight years. The workshops run for 2½ hours a week over eight weeks.
This programme is for parents and caregivers of children aged 4-8 years. More information ….
This programme is designed for Grade R to build a solid language and literacy foundation and as an early intervention in Grade One. It can also be used to support Grade Two and Three children to learn to speak, read and write in a second language.
Wordworks trains and mentors site Co-ordinators who manage and support tutors to work with pairs of children, on a weekly basis for at least six months. Many of the tutors are women who volunteer from local school communities. No qualifications are required.
This programme is for tutors working with children aged 5-8 years. More information…
Featured Story
Why should YOU help to solve our literacy crisis?
You may think, ‘Why is this my problem? I pay my taxes and education is government’s responsibility. Isn’t this the work of NGO’s, philanthropists and CSI departments? How will I know my money will be well used?’ In this article, on Giving Tuesday, Wordworks Director Shelley O’Carroll responds to these questions and provides some practical ways for you to contribute. She challenges all South Africans to become part of the solution, and talks about why giving is important for those who give.