Teacher Resource Centre

Reading is a fundamental ability for all other learning activities. Students can learn only when they comprehend, and this requires appropriate reading skills in the first place. Appropriate reading skills support the learning of increasing amounts of instructional content. This is why children who fail to learn to read during their early years of schooling will encounter more difficulties in later grades and a higher risk of drop out. Quality early grade reading instruction is critical in preventing these challenges and risks as well as in protecting children’s rights to education and ensuring better chances of success in their life.

Teachers are at the center of reading instruction and they need to be trained with pedagogical knowledge and management skills in order to provide students relevant and quality instruction. It has however been noted that teachers in many countries, especially low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa, lack the proper training and support on ways of teaching early grade reading to their students. Therefore, a comprehensive and practical guide on early grade reading is highly needed to bridge this gap.

This guide aims to empower teachers in Africa by equipping them with the knowledge and skills of early grade reading, including the simple identification of the main pillars of reading, lesson planning and classroom management, taking into account the context in Africa. Subsequently, these teachers will help their students build basic reading skills in their early years of schooling.

Art, music and drama have had a pivotal role in the livelihood of human beings. This is clear by the wealth of literature, architecture, fine art, theater and music that define human past, present and future. The inherent creative ability and a yearning to express ourselves is what gives value to art, music and drama as companion components in human evolution. 

This teacher's guide covers art, music, dance, drama, experiential learning, community engagement, and how to integrate these aspects into curriculum. Additionally, this document provides lesson plans for primary school students in these subject areas. 

This publication has been designed both for new and experienced teachers, as well as other professionals working in non-formal education settings that engage with upper primary and secondary students.  

Purpose: 

1.By using principles of GCED, digital citizenship, and media and information literacy, the guidelines aim to build the capacities of teachers to prepare learners to understand the implications of global and digital transformations on education, and to build opportunities to practice ethical and responsible behaviours in physical and digital environments. They provide guidance on tapping into the positive potential of the digital transformation, including through new access to information, possibilities of connection, and the creation of tailored content.  

2. Build learners’ capacities to think critically about the influences and content that they encounter and engage in creating in physical and digital spaces. 

3. Shape learners’ understanding of global challenges and how they can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through globally oriented digital citizenship.

Assistive technologies encompass tools and services designed to enhance learners' independence, participation, and success, helping them reach their full potential. This guide explains how educators can use assistive technology to create an inclusive environment that supports diverse learning styles and information processing. It introduces various assistive technologies that cater to individual learner needs, helping them overcome challenges. Educators should view assistive technologies as resources for all students, integrating them into the classroom to ensure widespread benefit and minimize the risk of stigmatization.