SmartStart South Africa

04/10/2026

World Space Week (Facebook Story)

World Space Week is here!

This week, we’re taking learning beyond Earth!
Space gives children so many reasons to wonder, ask questions, imagine and explore.

Ask a child:
“If you could travel anywhere in space, where would you go?”

02/10/2026

Did you know...

When children have opportunities to learn, they can develop skills that help them participate more fully in their families, communities, and future workplaces.

01/10/2026

The earliest interventions are the most important ones.

Bullying and hurtful teasing can take root long before a child reaches Grade R, often in the very spaces where they are meant to feel safest. The damage is real, and it is preventable.

"Choose kindness, stop bullying" is not a slogan for older children. It is a framework for early learning environments.

For the child: it means learning to include others, to recognise when someone is hurting, and to ask for help without shame.

For the adult - the practitioner, the parent, the caregiver: it means intervening quickly, guiding behaviour with intention, and treating every child's dignity as non-negotiable.

At SmartStart, we believe quality early learning is defined by more than curriculum. It is defined by whether a child feels safe enough to learn.

If you work in ECD: what are the practical ways you create a culture of kindness in your programme?

Let's share approaches in the comments.

01/10/2026

International Translation Day

Every language tells a story.

Translation helps us share stories, ideas and knowledge across languages, making it easier for people to connect, learn and understand one another.

For young children, hearing stories in a language they understand can make reading more enjoyable and meaningful. Let’s celebrate the many languages that bring our stories to life.

What stories did you grow up listening to and what did they teach you?

01/10/2026

Let your child pick the book

Involving your little one from the small story time decisions will keep them engaged. Put 2 – 3 books in front of them and ask, “Which story should we read today?” Giving them this choice makes reading feel exciting and gives ownership.

Tip: If they ask for the same story for the tenth time, go with it! This helps them learn new words, remember characters and follow the story line.

Our partners at Book Dash and Nal'ibali have a variety of books to choose from.

01/10/2026

It’s story time!

“Is that your teacher? Is that your Aunty?”

Amanda is tired of people aking her these questions and wishes that she looked just like her Mummy and Daddy. She learns more about her family, and discovers that she, her Mummy and Daddy may have more in common than she thought.

https://bookdash.org/books/im-the-colour-of-honey/

Is that your teacher? Is that your Aunty? Amanda is fed up with these questions and wishes that she looked just like her Mummy and Daddy. But maybe they are […]

25/09/2026

There’s still time to be part of the BookSmart Reader September reading challenge story. 📚

Join a reading experience filled with daily stories, meaningful connections, and celebrations along the way. Whether you’re just getting started or jumping in late, every page counts.

Share this post with parents and caregivers of the children in your programme so that they can read along.

Download the free BookSmart app today and join the challenge before it ends on the 30th of September.

Google Play Store: https://bit.ly/3SjtkWy
Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/4gn5zoe

24/09/2026

Heritage Day

Our heritage lives in the stories we tell, the languages we speak, the food we share, the music we enjoy, and the traditions passed from one generation to the next.

Heritage Day is a chance to celebrate what makes each of us unique, while appreciating the rich diversity that makes South Africa special.

Let’s celebrate our heritage, share our stories and learn from one another.

23/09/2026

Make Your Own Story Puppet

Turn an old sock into a fun puppet using things you already have at home.

You’ll need:
🧦 An old, clean sock
👀 Paper for the eyes
🖍️ Markers or crayons
🧶 Wool or paper strips for hair
✂️ Paper/cardboard for ears and a nose
🧴 Glue or tape

How to make it:
1. Put your hand inside the sock to make the puppet’s mouth.
2. Cut out two eyes and glue them above the mouth.
3. Cut out a nose and ears and stick them onto the sock.
4. Add wool or paper strips on top for hair.
5. Give your puppet a name and a funny voice!

Let the puppet ask questions, react to the story or help your child retell the story in their own words.

22/09/2026

Make Storytime a daily habit

For children, every story is an opportunity to build language, imagination and confidence. You do not need to own a lot of books or hours of free time, but it is the small – everyday moments that make a difference.

Tip: Choose a time that works for your family. This could be before bed, after bath time or after breakfast. You can start with just 10 minutes a day and make it your fun reading time.