What to look out for, when to act, and how a catch-up track can help — without knocking your child’s confidence.
Every child learns at their own pace, but some signs are worth noticing early. Spotting them is not a reason to panic — it is a chance to help sooner, while it is still easy.
Avoiding reading, guessing at words from the first letter, losing their place often, or still sounding out very familiar words well into Grade 2 or 3 can all be signs that a child needs more practice with the basics.
With so many South African children reading below grade level, these signs are common — and very treatable.
Returning to phonics basics is not a failure — it fills the gaps that make everything else hard. A ‘start from the beginning’ track or a Reading Booster lets older learners rebuild skills at their own pace.
Keep sessions short, praise effort rather than speed, and choose books slightly below their frustration level so success comes often.
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Our CAPS-aligned programme turns these ideas into fun, interactive lessons. Try the first two lessons of every grade for free.
Help your child become a confident reader. Explore the CAPS-aligned Saving Grace Learn to Read programme — the first two lessons of every grade are free, no card needed.
