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Learning to read is the most important skill a child should learn while in school. Reading is a crucial building block on which other subjects are built. The earlier a child reads, the sooner they are exposed to and learn a whole host of subjects whereas if a child fails to read for comprehension by grade four, that child could experience lifelong problems in learning new skills. Moreover, if a child struggles to read, they read less and a gap in knowledge and skills is formed between them and their peers who are able to read.
One new approach that has seen remarkable results is teacher coaching. The program providing this coaching, Early Grade Reading Study (EGRS) supported by USAID, also provides scripted lesson plans, resources, and training. Learners do on average 40% better in reading when their teachers receive coaching, as compared to those students whose teachers are not coached. A coach not only provides teachers with practical tools and suggestions on how to effectively teach reading, but they provide the teachers with a safe space to confide and work through challenges they might come across. A coach can help encourage and empower teachers to try new techniques and give feedback to them on what might not be working in their classrooms.
Through the EGRS program and coaching support, teachers are making big gains in helping their students read. The data is indisputable but anyone can see while visiting EGRS supported schools. The students are confident in their reading and they understand what they are read. These kids are getting the foundation they need to for lifelong learning and as more and more districts take note of the coaching model and choose to adopt it, hopefully one day all of South Africa’s children will benefit as well.
