Life skills is a critically important subject to teach at the Foundation Phase level as it is at this unique time in a young learner’s development that an important grounding for later life can be established. Never will teachers have a better opportunity to shape learners’ knowledge, skills and values and to prepare them for the challenges and successes that lie ahead. Teaching life skills in the Foundation Phase equips teachers to support learners’ holistic development, both as citizens of South Africa and participants in a global community.

Teaching life skills in the Foundation Phase is based on sound pedagogical principles, providing many practical ideas to Foundation Phase teachers and student teachers (grades R–3). For easy reference between classroom practice and formal studies, this book is structured according to the CAPS Foundation Phase curriculum and focuses on the following knowledge areas:

• Beginning knowledge (the teaching of natural sciences, technology and social sciences)
• Creative arts education (the teaching of visual and performing arts)
• Physical education (movement)
• Personal and social well-being (addressing social issues such as sexuality education, health education, violence and abuse)