In Kenya, early childhood education under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) begins with Play Group, PP1, and PP2. This formative stage sets the foundation for children's learning, focusing on developing communication, numeracy, hygiene practices, and creative skills in a nurturing environment. Here’s what you need to know about how this curriculum impacts your child's early education.
At the pre-primary level, the language of instruction is based on the school’s local catchment area. Teachers, often selected from the same locality, are familiar with the children’s mother tongue, which helps to simplify learning. In more cosmopolitan or urban regions, however, English and Swahili are commonly used for instruction. At this level, learners are encouraged to express their ideas, feelings, and opinions confidently, using a language they understand.
Communication Skills: By the time they complete PP1 and PP2, children are expected to develop foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Creative and Artistic Development: Your child will learn basic drawing, painting, coloring, and craft-making, such as weaving, making shapes, and beading.By the time they complete PP1 and PP2, children are expected to develop foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Numeracy: Counting from 1 to 50, identifying patterns, understanding Kenyan currency, and learning basic time concepts are all covered at this stage.
Daily Routines and Hygiene: Children learn essential life skills like handwashing, dressing, cleaning their nose, toileting, and feeding themselves.
Religious Education: Basic religious knowledge is provided, where children are taught to respect people of different religious beliefs.
This stage prepares children for reading and writing, which will be formally introduced in Grades 1 to 3.
Under CBC, pre-primary learners are evaluated through oral questions, observation, and documentation of their activities. The assessment criteria include:
Above Expectations: When a child excels in all tasks as required.
Meets Expectations: When they can follow instructions and complete most tasks.
Approaches Expectations: When a learner attempts tasks but shows inconsistency.
Below Expectations: For children who struggle significantly with tasks.
These evaluations ensure that each child’s progress is tracked without subjecting them to traditional exams.
Parents play an active role in their child’s learning by providing easily accessible materials that aid in their education. Some common CBC learning materials include:
Natural and Man-made Objects: Like soil, water, and cloth.
Audio-Visual Aids: Videos and digital materials to enhance learning.
Print Materials: Such as textbooks, posters, newspapers, and magazines.
Hygiene Products: Handwashing materials and toothbrushes to teach hygiene.
