POLOKWANE – Emotions among Gr R and Gr 1 learners on their first day of school ranged from separation anxiety to eagerness to get to know their new playmates on Wednesday when schools in the province opened.
Some learners held tightly to their parents’ hands in an attempt to stop them from leaving, while others were all smiles and barely noticed when their parents left.
Pemps Gr R learners watched a series of cartoons as they waited for everyone to arrive before they proceeded to class to meet their new teachers.
According to Karen Adlem, Pemps Gr R head, the school can only accommodate 60 children, but they made an exception and accepted 64 learners this year. She said there were about 300 learners on the waiting list but the school simply does not have enough space to accommodate them.
“The department should build us more classes so we can accommodate as many children as possible. We are happy to have twins at our school this year and I am sure they will bring joy,” she added.
When asked why they separated the twins to different classrooms, Adlem said one reason is that, according to several articles, twins only think about socialising when they are together and this can distract them in class. She further said sometimes the relationship between twins is out of balance, with one twin being dominant and the other submissive. The dominant twin tends to lead the duo, often speaking for both and influencing the actions of the other, which could be bad for both children.
