Ages and Stages: How Children Adjust to Life and Education | News | GIS
August 23, 2019
As a private school in Botswana that offers creche
, junior
and senior primary
schooling, we’ve got a higher understanding of each child’s needs at every stage of their development. With qualified and passionate educators throughout our school, every pupil gets the attention they require for success and a brighter future.
Our reputation as a leading private school in Botswana has enabled us to contribute to the academic successes of many who pass through the doors of our classrooms. We’ve also come to form some strong relationships with these children and their parents, something that we believe truly sets us apart. Sharing information with the parents of our pupils is one of the ways we can ensure that they’re involved in their child’s development every step of the way. Here’s how your child adjusts to each stage of life and what you can do to help them along the way.
Two years of age
Our full-day creche is perfect for children as young as two years old. At this age, they are curious but also fearful and quite sensitive to separation from parents and their home environments. This means that routine is crucial for getting them settled. Although quite prone to separation anxiety at this stage of development, they need to discover their world. This means learning, playing and exploring. As a result, going to school is ideal for helping your child flourish and pave a sound foundation for their education.
Between the ages of three and five
This is also known as the busy period where your child learns to cut, draw, sing and express themselves. At school, they will be learning about numbers, letters, shapes and directions. This means that you should be reiterating these at home to make sure your child remembers them. There are also a lot of questions asked at this stage as your little one attempts to reason with the workings of the world. You should encourage this curiosity and answer questions to the best of your ability and in a way that they will understand.
Although you might want to push learning activities at home, make sure you give your child ample time to play. At this age, they learn a great deal from playing. Reinforce things that your child does well in order to boost their self-esteem.
From six to eight
Your child has now started junior school and your baby has blossomed overnight. At this stage, they’re navigating homework, breaktimes and social relationships with their friends. They will have good, bad and even frustrating days. Some might be eager to go to school each day, whilst others are certainly more overwhelmed. Although “big school” can seem like a scary prospect, a good routine is a fantastic way to make the transition easier. Help your child get ready for the next day the night before and try and foster a healthy mindset to things like homework and extra murals. Be consistent with discipline at this stage so that you can set the tone for how they ought to behave.
Nine to eleven
As they approach senior school level, children at this age walk the line between being little and rather mature. Some might even be starting puberty which is of course accompanied by lots of changes. At this age, children are able to think in a logical way and might enjoy tasks that incorporate some sort of responsibility. Parents should attempt to give them manageable tasks that hone their understanding of what it means to be responsible. Things like chores or caring for a pet or plant are a good starting point. Communication at this stage is key, particularly when things like puberty begin. Try and make sure the lines of communication are healthy and open ones so that your child is more likely to reach out to you if need be.
Twelve and thirteen
When your child becomes a teenager, you’ll be dealing with a different person from day to day. As they go through puberty and become more independent, they find their voice and form very strong opinions. Your child needs to know that they have your support, which means communicating and encouraging them at every crossroad. There might even be a girlfriend or boyfriend at this stage so be prepared.
Supporting your child every step of the way
At Gaborone International School, a team of
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At GIS Pre-Primary we follow the Reggio Emilia approach, and we believe that learning flourishes through collaboration among educators, learners, and families. Our environment is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections. Central to our philosophy is the idea that parents are not just supporters of education but active partners in the learning journey. 1 . Open Communication We prioritize clear and consistent communication. Each term begins with a newsletter outlining key calendar events, followed by timely WhatsApp reminders to keep families informed. Monthly class overviews help parents stay engaged with their child’s learning, identify areas needing support, and collaborate with teachers before new topics are introduced. 2. Meaningful Parent Engagement We actively invite parents into the classroom to observe and participate in hands-on learning experiences. Celebrations like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are honored, while events such as Sports Day offer opportunities for parents to join in the fun. When children see their parents involved, it reinforces a sense of encouragement and shared purpose, sending a powerful message that their education is deeply valued. 3 . Supporting Home Learning Learning does not stop at the school gate. Through weekend projects and real-world experiences, like gardening, baking, or museum visits, parents help children explore their world. Learners document these moments through photos and videos, fostering reflection, independence, and self-motivation. Watching themselves and their peers engaged in discovery empowers children to take ownership of their growth. 4. Celebrating an Inclusive Community At GIS, we proudly celebrate the diversity of our school community by hosting a range of events at varied times, ensuring that everyone can participate and feel included. Our Family Fun Day is a vibrant example of this, bringing together families from all walks of life to share in the rich cultural heritage, diverse experiences, and unique perspectives that make our school so special. These events not only foster a sense of belonging and connection among families but also create a warm and inclusive environment that welcomes and values every individual. Strong parent–teacher partnerships are the foundation of a thriving learning environment. At GIS, we’re committed to nurturing these connections, ensuring that every child is supported, inspired, and surrounded by a community that believes in their potential.
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It is undeniable that AI in education, even though still in relative infancy, has a multiplier effect on student outcomes. An overview of the substantial impact of individualised learning on student performance over the past few years, combined with an insight into daily advances in real life, has the potential to raise concern about the role of human educators in classrooms. Are teachers becoming obsolete? Not quite. While it is true that AI’s role is growing by the day, it is in fact not replacing teachers, but rather changing the role of teachers, an education expert says. “We have, over the past 3 years, seen a 20% improvement in student performance, with AI and individualised learning having become the order of the day,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head at ADvTECH Schools. AI in education isn’t a case of students having access to ChatGPT – it is a vastly more considered strategy leveraging proprietary tools and platforms. ADvTECH’s ADvLEARN Intelligent Tutoring System is a prime example, utilising AI to craft individualised learning paths that allow students to advance at their own speed. This system empowers data-guided instruction while fostering independent learning across various subjects. “Adaptive learning technologies leverage data-driven analysis to personalise educational content, pacing, and assessments based on each student's unique needs. These solutions, which include intelligent tutoring systems and learning management platforms, enable educators to tailor instruction efficiently without increasing their workload, when integrated effectively,” says Hugo. “For students, this creates a customised, engaging, and encouraging experience, whether they’re building core skills or exploring complex topics. For educators, it delivers real-time insights to refine teaching approaches, ensuring all students achieve progress.” AI systems are fast moving in the direction of students being able to learn completely independently, which then raises the question – what about the teachers? Will in-person schools still be a thing? Or will future learning consist of young people working alone, in front of their screens? “Adopting best international practices in AI implementation is critical to staying at the forefront of educational excellence. However, the narrative around AI in education must be clear: AI is a powerful tool to support, not replace, teachers,” says Hugo. “The human element in teaching, in particular empathy, creativity, and mentorship, remains irreplaceable, and AI’s role is to enhance these supportive opportunities, ensuring teachers remain central to the learning experience, while time-consuming repetitive tasks become the domain of AI.” The integration of AI into education really is a best-case scenario, allowing overworked teachers to get back to their unique strengths, Hugo says. WHY TEACHERS WILL REMAIN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE While AI excels at processing data and delivering personalised content, it lacks the human qualities that ensures an exceptional, holistic education. In the age of AI, the role of teachers will remain important in the following areas: Emotional connection and empathy - Learning is deeply human, driven by relationships. Teachers understand students’ emotional needs, motivate them through challenges, and celebrate their successes. No algorithm can replicate the encouragement of a teacher who notices a student’s potential or the trust built through years of mentorship. Fostering creativity and critical thinking - AI can provide information, but teachers guide students to question, innovate, and think critically. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, skills like ethical reasoning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, nurtured by teachers, are essential. Curricula, like the IEB, IB and Cambridge systems, emphasize these skills, and ADvTECH’s commitment to global standards positions its teachers as key drivers of this development. Cultural and contextual nuance - South Africa’s diverse educational landscape requires teachers who understand local contexts, languages, and cultural dynamics. Teachers bridge the gap between AI and real-life context, ensuring learning is relevant and inclusive. “The fear that AI will replace teachers stems from a misunderstanding of its purpose, combined with the stunning realisation of its ability to improve student outcomes. But AI is not a substitute for human connection. Rather, it is a catalyst for unlocking teacher potential. It empowers teachers to do what they do best: inspire, guide, and transform lives. “Imagine a classroom where AI handles repetitive tasks, provides real-time student insights, and suggests tailored resources, while the teacher focuses on sparking debates, nurturing talents, and building confidence. This is the future that educational institutions must champion - a future where technology supports human excellence, not replaces it.”