Reception class · Age 5
Reception class in Botswana: tracing and letter sounds
The reception class is the year before Standard 1, inside most public primary schools in Botswana. Here are tracing and letter-sound games for home during that year.
Getting started
A five-minute game for today
Draw letters in sand or flour with a finger. Say the sound as you draw: “sss” for s, “mmm” for m. Then let your child draw one for you.
Together 01
A year in the primary school
Reception is free in nearly all public primary schools. It gets children used to the school, the teacher and a daily routine before Standard 1.
Together 02
Trace the circle
In My hands, the voice says “Trace the circle” and your child follows the dots from the green one. It trains the movement that writing letters needs.
Together 03
First sounds
In Letters, your child hears a word like “sun” and taps the letter that starts it. Knowing sounds makes reading easier later on.
Together 04
Talking with the teacher
If you notice something at home, tell the reception teacher with a concrete example. It helps them more than a general worry.
Frequently asked questions
When does my child start Standard 1?
In the January after their sixth birthday, after the reception class.
Which areas does Ziippi have?
Numbers, Letters, Discover, My hands, Feelings and Speak. Your child picks the area each time they play.
Where do I download Ziippi in Botswana?
Use the download buttons on this page: they open Ziippi’s listing on the App Store or Google Play.
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