Factors influencing the knowledge parents/caregivers have about school-readiness for grade one scholars
Date
2017
Authors
Du Toit, Kirsten Jodi
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Abstract
This cross sectional quantitative study aimed to examine the understanding
parents/caregivers have of school readiness requirements for Grade 1 children in
comparison to expected scholastic criteria in the Gauteng province and the
demographic factors which may affect this. A questionnaire was specifically
designed for this study based on CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy
Statement) and IEB (Independent Education Board) and included looking at various
area of development. Questionnaire content was validated by experts in a pilot
study. Five hundred and ten questionnaires were circulated to parents/caregivers of
Grade R and Grade 1 scholars in 2 urban and 1 private school. Two hundred and ten
questionnaires were returned of which 180 were included in the data analysis.
Overall results revealed that parents/caregivers had a better understanding of school
readiness with respect to thinking and reasoning; motor ability; numerical skills and
speaking abilities. They had moderate understanding of writing abilities; life skills and
listening skills with the least knowledge about activities of daily living, reading and
viewing skills and language structure and use. The only significant demographic
factor that was identified was the level of education of the mother. This suggested
that a higher level of education enabled the prediction of school readiness.
Description
Research report submitted the Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Occupational therapy