This primary school teacher wants kids to game more and study less

Too many people become teachers because they’ve run out of options. Staff rooms across the country are dotted with those who have never felt a passion for their work. And the children know it. They can also tell when an educator is there out of a love for nurturing young minds. It’s all over their faces the minute that someone like Sara Motsitsi walks into the room.

Having taught at Reseamohetse Public School in Theunissen for just three years, the Grade 4 mathematics teacher already understands far more about the responsibilities of the profession than others more seasoned than her. Motsitsi’s perpetual quest is to find innovative ways to engage her pupils, with the hope of building excitement around their learning – a task for which technology has proven her greatest ally.

By employing the services of game-style mathematics programmes, Motsitsi has cultured within her class an enthusiasm for a subject that traditionally inspires fear. Fun is the priority. The result? Improved learning and brighter futures. The young teacher’s efforts have been recognised and honoured, most recently at the National Teaching Awards ceremony, where she won the prize for Excellence in Teaching Technology – Enhanced Teaching and Learning in Mathematics. Though Motsitsi’s career is only just beginning, she is already a shining example.