CAPS is South Africa’s national curriculum. Here is what it means for your child’s reading in Grades R–3, in plain language.
You will see ‘CAPS’ on schoolbooks, reports and our lessons. It stands for the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement — South Africa’s national plan for what children learn and when.
The Foundation Phase runs from Grade R to Grade 3 and focuses on Home Language, a First Additional Language and Mathematics, with Life Skills woven through. Reading and writing sit at the centre.
CAPS sets out, term by term, what children should be learning — including phonics, reading of words and sentences, comprehension, and handwriting.
Grade R focuses on sounds and getting ready to read. Grade 1 begins blending sounds into words. Grades 2 and 3 grow fluency, longer texts and comprehension.
When a home programme follows CAPS, your child practises exactly what their grade expects — and stays in step whether they are in school or learning at home.
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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.
