While you were Teaching...

This blog is intended for Teachers across South Africa and the rest of the African content, to remain inspired to stay in Teaching.

You work hard, under difficult circumstances, and not always gain the appreciation you deserve.
It comes with huge responsibility, is non-stop and often chaotic.

Take a moment to remember why you became a teacher in the first place.
It wasn't just for targets and test results was it?
It was for something far more important. You wanted to change lives - to make a difference.
To inspire young learners. To guide them on the road to adulthood. To see them grow, experience and discover the many wonders of life!

And that is why we this blog is here. To give you the tools to help you make the magic happen. Read, share and above all, appreciate what you do on a daily basis!

12 Activity Ideas to Promote Imaginary Play

posted on 2019-02-18 written by Karen Leigh Benkenstein

Imagination is linked to learning, and new ideas, and fun. What better place then, to be promoting imaginary play, than in the classroom? Here are twelve great activity ideas to set up in your classroom to get those little imaginations buzzing and humming.

The Highlights Reel - 8 Benefits of Imaginary Play

posted on 2019-01-29 written by Karen Leigh Benkenstein

According to Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds to ever exist, “imagination is more important than intelligence”. So just what is it about developing imagination and fostering pretend play that is so beneficial for children? From social skills to language development, from motor skills to emotional regulation - imaginary play covers it all. Knowing and understanding these eight benefits of imaginary play will help motivate you to really make it a priority in your classroom.

A Production of Imagination

posted on 2019-01-23 written by Karen Leigh Benkenstein

The movie of life can be enthralling, filled with chapters of adventure, disappointment, failure and success. The learners in your classrooms have just started their stories and are still in the beginning chapters, where tales of fantasy and make-believe should prevail. Read this blog article to find out when children start with imaginative play and what can you expect at different ages.

Mess is good for your classroom. Right?

posted on 2018-12-10 written by Rachel Carey

Truth is: Mess is good for your classroom. “Right?” I hear you say, “Try that with 35 kids on a rainy day indoors!” But, we are not talking about anything unhygienic, or haphazard and chaotic, or about classroom equipment strewn all over the floor.

Ssh! Are you listening?

posted on 2018-12-03 written by Heleen Johnson

Just two weeks ago I spoke on CAPS Radio about listening skills in the classroom. The presenter wanted to know why it is so important. I was at a loss for words for a moment.

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Blogger Profiles

Heleen Johnson

Heleen Johnson is an Occupational Therapist with over 35 years of experience in the field of Education. Read more here.
Karen Leigh Benkenstein

Karen Leigh Benkenstein is a fully qualified Foundation Phase Teacher, specializing in Special Needs children. She has taught children with a variety of educational and emotional barriers. Read more here.
Rachel Carey

Rachel Carey has been working as a children's Occupational Therapist for the past 10 years. she has worked in both special needs and mainstream settings with children with a range of challenges and difficulties. Read more here.
Inspirational Stories from Teachers

There is no lack of inspirational Teachers across our country, but when you Google "Teachers South Africa", you are often targeted with negative news. Share your inspirational story with us via info@educanda.co.za.
Charmaine Kendal

With over 40 years of teaching and management experience, Charmaine Kendal has a wealth of wisdom to offer teachers. The valuable lessons she has learned in the classroom and as deputy principal have equipped her with the skills to mentor and guide newly qualified teachers as well as to support more experienced staff. She is a published author, publishing youth literature and contributing to a number of textbooks. Charmaine has lectured education at tertiary level and has designed learning modules for education students.