Support programmes for mothers and caregivers: a framework for home-based pedagogy in initial literacy and numeracy

M.Ed.This study presents a framework that identifies what a home and community can do to help school entry pupils in initial literacy and numeracy in the Thulamahashe area near Bushbuckridge in the Northern province of South Africa. The emphasis is on involvement for mothers and caregivers in helping school entry pupils to acquire basic skills in literacy and numeracy. The research covers a brief inquiry into the need for support programme for mothers and caregivers of school entry pupils as suggested by the research sample. Suggestions for the structure and content of a possible programme are forwarded. The study was conducted by means of observing schools and homes and interviewing mothers, caregivers and teachers about the need for and feasibility of a possible programme in homebased pedagogy in initial literacy and numeracy. The findings suggest that there is such a need in this community and that home — school collaboration is feasible