PEPPS teacher nurtures young learners with passion

POLOKWANE – For Sunette van Staden, early childhood development isn’t just a career – it’s a calling.

Having been part of PEPPS ECD for more than seven years, she believes wholeheartedly that the early years are the most formative in a child’s life. Her role gives her the unique opportunity to help shape confident, curious learners ready to take on the world.

Van Staden says she finds fulfilment in watching children grow, whether it’s seeing their faces light up with understanding or helping them build self-belief through play and discovery.

“I enjoy building relationships with the young ones. Their innocence, joy, and energy in everything they do inspire me every day. The love they share makes everything worthwhile,” she said.

One of the most valuable lessons, she added, is helping children learn how to interact with others.

At PEPPS, learning through play allows children to naturally develop vital social and emotional skills in a supportive environment. Her favourite classroom activity is a hands-on mathematics shop, where learners ‘buy’ and ‘sell’ sweets or small items as a fun way to teach addition, subtraction and basic money concepts.

Teaching children does come with its challenges, particularly their short attention spans. Van Staden keeps her class engaged by alternating between quiet and active tasks, introducing movement breaks, and keeping lessons varied and lively.

Outside the classroom, Sunette enjoys sculpting, painting, reading, gardening, hiking, playing golf and spending time outdoors with friends.

“Every day is an opportunity to make a difference. When you work with children, you plant seeds that will grow long after they leave your classroom.”