Tshimologo is a very reserved and shy boy. When he started grade R in 2017, his teacher complained that he did not participate in class activities. As a parent, I did not worry about it as I thought he was still young and would improve once he got to grade 1.
Tshimologo proceeded to grade 1 in 2018, and his teacher raised the same complaint, emphasising that he could not read and write and could not concentrate in class. Tshimologo could not complete his homework alone and was not coping with the workload. His first term grade 1 marks really concerned me and his teacher, who then suggested speech therapy. Although Tshimologo attended speech therapy, he could still not cope. He, unfortunately, failed grade 1.
While repeating grade 1, his teacher suggested another educational psychologist. While the therapy was ongoing, Tshimologo could still not read or write and could not work independently. The teacher often said he is not confident even when he knows the answer.
When Tshimologo proceeded to grade 3 in 2021, the teacher could see his poor performance within the first term and suggested Edublox. The progress at the beginning was slow as Tshimologo could read basic and simple words and sentences, although he was still unable to work independently. The teacher was able to see a little bit of progress and encouraged him to continue with Edublox.
By the end of grade 3, his marks were moderate for English and elementary achievement for Afrikaans, and he was awarded a merit award for progress in English and Afrikaans. Tshimologo did not meet the requirements to go to the next grade but was given a pass because of the two years he had been in the foundation phase.
As a parent, I was a little discouraged, but I continued with Edublox and supporting my son. The big change came when he went to grade 4. Tshimologo can now read and write independently. He is now able to participate and answer in class.
As a parent, I have seen big changes in my son. He is now more confident when doing his schoolwork. He is now able to do homework on his own unless supervision is required. He can read fluently. I have also seen significant changes in his marks, especially for English and Afrikaans, as they were the main concerns.
His grade 4 report card for terms 1-3 has shown that Tshimologo is able and capable of performing well, all thanks to Edublox Pretoria East and the educators who have not given up on my son.
Tshimologo now gets excited to read stories and can do so with understanding and answering questions thereof. I can confidently recommend Edublox to other parents, and I advise them to start as soon as problems are identified by the teachers. Parents should also know that every child is unique and special, and with patience and support, the child will excel.
I hope this will inspire and motivate parents. Never give up!
Keletso Ratshefola
Keletso Ratshefola Tshimologo's Mother
