Exploring the implementation of the TIME Home Learning programme and learning trajectories of 5- to 7-year-olds: Learning Trajectories from Grade R to end of Grade 1

Abstract

This brief unpacks and discusses the results of the child assessments carried out during the TIME longitudinal study (2022-2023): between mid-Grade R and end of Grade 1, 26 children in the Western Cape were assessed using the Wordworks Early Literacy Assessment (WELA) and the Mathematics Early Learning Assessment (MELA). The brief shows the pace and sequence in which literacy and numeracy skills develop between Grade R and the end of Grade 1, uncovering interesting differences according to gender or language groups. It also reviews the children’s achievement against CAPS, existing benchmarks as well as previous studies, concluding that three quarters of the sample are faring well, with mostly good progress realised during the two years, while the weaker quarter of the sample displays concerning learning gaps. Despite the small size of the sample, the study is an important contribution to the literature on the development of child literacy and mathematical skills in that age band.