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Starting Big School · Grade R → Grade 1

Grade 1 Readiness, Made for South African Children

Is your child ready for Grade 1? Saving Grace Learn to Read builds real reading confidence with CAPS-aligned phonics — so your little one starts big school ready to shine.

A confident start

Give Your Child the Best Start to Grade 1

The jump to Grade 1 is a big one. Saving Grace Learn to Read prepares your child step by step with systematic, CAPS-aligned phonics — the same building blocks used in South African classrooms. Children learn their letter sounds, blend them into words, and start reading simple sentences, so they walk into big school already knowing what to expect.

Every lesson is read aloud, hands-on and self-paced, so your child builds skills — and confidence — without pressure.

A happy Grade R child holding a reading book, ready for big school.

Why Parents Choose Saving Grace Learn to Read

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CAPS-Aligned Phonics

Every lesson follows the official South African CAPS curriculum, so your child learns exactly what Grade 1 expects.

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Built for South African Children

Local voices, local stories and English & Afrikaans support — designed for our classrooms and our children.

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Learn at Your Own Pace

No pressure and no deadlines. Your child repeats and practises until each skill truly clicks.

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See Real Progress

A clear parent dashboard shows exactly which sounds, words and skills your child has mastered.

How Your Child Becomes Grade 1 Ready

Three simple steps, from first sounds to reading with confidence.

1

Start with sounds

Your child learns each letter and the sound it makes — the true foundation of reading.

2

Build words

Sounds are blended together into simple words, with plenty of read-aloud practice.

3

Read with confidence

Your child reads their first sentences and short stories — ready to shine in Grade 1.

Is My Child Ready for Grade 1? — The Checklist

Tick the skills your child can already do. The rest are exactly what our programme builds.

  • Recognises and writes their own name
  • Knows most letter sounds
  • Can hear and make rhyming words
  • Enjoys books and being read to
  • Holds a pencil with good control
  • Follows two-step instructions
  • Recognises numbers 1–10
Start building these skills free →
Grade R → Grade 1

A Complete Reading Readiness Programme

From first letter sounds in Grade R through to blending, sight words and simple stories, Saving Grace Learn to Read covers every step your child needs to be truly ready for Grade 1 — and to keep thriving once they're there.

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Grade 1 Readiness — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child is ready for Grade 1?

Use the checklist above. If your child knows most letter sounds, can rhyme, and enjoys books, they're well on their way. Our free lessons help you fill any gaps before big school starts.

What age is Grade 1 Readiness for?

It's designed for children in the year before Grade 1 — typically Grade R learners aged 5 to 6 — but works for any child building early reading skills at their own pace.

Is the programme aligned to CAPS?

Yes. Every lesson follows the official South African CAPS curriculum, so your child learns the same phonics and skills expected in Grade 1 classrooms.

How much does it cost?

The first two lessons of every grade are completely free — no card needed. Full access starts from R149/month via secure PayFast, and you can cancel anytime.

Give your child a confident start to Grade 1

Start with two free lessons today — no payment details required.

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