Grade R Success Stories
If you’ve ever wondered whether a daycare makes a difference — just ask any Grade R teacher who’s had a Little Lambs graduate in their class.
School readiness isn’t just about ABCs. It’s confidence. Communication. Knowing how to share. Knowing when to ask for help. It’s the ability to follow instructions, manage your emotions, hold a crayon, and sit still long enough to listen to a story.
At Little Lambs Christian Daycare, every song, every story, every playful moment is intentionally designed to prepare children for life — not just the classroom.
From Chaos to Confidence
When Lebo (name changed) first arrived at Little Lambs, she was painfully shy. She clung to her older brother at drop-off and barely spoke for weeks. Simple things like joining the class for circle time or choosing a toy from the shelf left her overwhelmed.
But our team saw more than a withdrawn little girl. They saw potential — and they had a plan.
Through gentle encouragement, a predictable daily routine, and lots of one-on-one time, Lebo began to open up. She started humming along to songs. Then she joined a painting activity. A few months later, she was standing up confidently to lead grace before snack time.
By the time she left for Grade R, she had not only found her voice — she had found her place.
More Than Just Milestones
Lukhanyo was full of energy, but he struggled to concentrate. He found it difficult to sit still during storytime or to remember the steps in a game. His fine motor skills were delayed, and he avoided drawing or writing.
But Lukhanyo didn’t need punishment — he needed support.
Our teachers implemented targeted activities to help him strengthen his grip, focus his attention, and regulate his energy. Over time, his scribbles became drawings. His bouncing turned into balance. His frustration turned into pride.
Today, he’s thriving in Grade R — a little boy who knows how to listen, follow instructions, and believe in himself.
A Team That Sees The Whole Child
At Little Lambs, we don’t just teach, we notice.
We notice the child who hasn’t had breakfast, the one who hasn’t mastered their colours, the one who hangs back while the others play. Our teachers are trained not just in education, but in empathy. Many of them are from the very community they serve, which means they bring a deep understanding of the children’s world into the classroom.
Every child’s progress is monitored. Every developmental milestone is supported. And every small win is celebrated — because we know that small wins build big futures.
Readiness is a Process, Not a Checklist
We believe that school readiness is not a race — it's a rhythm.
It’s in the confidence to raise your hand. The kindness to let someone else go first. The ability to zip up your jacket or ask for help when you can’t. These are the skills that matter — and they don’t happen by accident.
They happen when children are nurtured in safe, loving spaces… like Little Lambs.
Help Us Prepare More Children for What’s Next
The truth is, many children in South Africa start Grade R already behind — and they never catch up.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
With your support, we can give more children the opportunity to grow, learn, and shine before they even reach big school. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or sponsor a child, you’re helping us turn chaos into confidence one little life at a time.
➡️ Donate to our School Readiness Fund ➡️ Sponsor a child’s monthly fees ➡️ Volunteer or donate classroom materials
Because wiping noses may not sound glamorous… but here, it’s how we shape the future.