Grade RR

Bright Sparks

Under the Sea Class

Confidence with phonics and counting, plus longer focus times. Bright Sparks is where our four-year-olds, fresh from Grade RRR, build the foundations for their Grade R year.

Teacher Hazel with the Under the Sea Grade RR class at Toddies preschool in Olivedale, Randburg
Teacher Hazel Bright Sparks · Grade RR
Meet your teacher

Curious, playful, magical.

Teacher Hazel believes there’s a special kind of magic in every child. Her Grade RR room is a nurturing, challenging space where curiosity is fuelled with play and humour, and learning genuinely feels like fun. Kids are naturally curious and creative, and she makes sure every lesson runs with that energy.

Recently a first-time mom herself, Hazel chose Toddies as her own daughter’s school, because she believes nothing matches an environment where every child is part of an ever-growing family. A proud teacher, and a self-described big kid at heart.

What we do

Phonics, counting & focus.

Structured learning with plenty of play: the perfect balance for the year before Grade R.

Phonics

Recognising sounds, blending into words and building reading confidence.

Counting & maths

Numbers to 20, simple addition and patterns through hands-on games.

Pre-writing

Pencil grip, letter formation and the patterns that build to writing.

Themed projects

Group projects on weekly themes: research, make, present.

Music & movement

Rhythm, dance and gross-motor coordination through daily music.

Self-care skills

Independent dressing, packing lunchboxes and tidying up.

A day in our room

The rhythm of our day.

Slightly longer focus blocks to start building stamina for Grade R.

  • Arrivals & soft startBooks, puzzles and quiet activities while everyone settles.
  • BreakfastEat together, chat about the day ahead.
  • Ring & theme introThe day’s story, theme work and group discussion.
  • Focus activityPhonics, maths or writing in a 25-minute focused block.
  • Outdoor playBig movement, climbing, ball games.
  • LunchHealthy meals at the big table.
  • Rest / quiet readingWind-down time, books, sometimes a short nap.
  • Art / project workThemed crafts and longer group projects.
  • Home timeHand-overs and the daily news.
Extra-murals

Extra activities, all on-site.

Our Grade RR Bright Sparks can take part in almost all of our optional extra-murals, all right here on-site with no extra travel for busy parents.

🎵

Music Box

Music, rhythm and movement classes that get little ones singing, clapping and moving.

🤾

Play Ball

Playful ball-skills sessions that build coordination, balance and gross-motor confidence.

Soccer Starz

Introductory soccer coaching, with footwork, teamwork and lots of giggles on the field.

🥋

Karate

Age-appropriate karate that builds focus, discipline and self-confidence.

🧮

Abacus Maths

Abacus-based mental maths that makes numbers fun and sharpens early concentration.

🏊

Swimming

Swimming lessons in our on-site heated pool, so children can keep learning in comfort right through the year.

What to bring

Under the Sea Class pack list.

Everything to pack for the year for our Grade RR room. Label each item with your child’s name and we’ll take it from there.

✏️ Stationery pack

  • A4 photocopy paper (ream)3
  • Twist wax crayons (12 pack)5
  • A5 hard cover book (196 pg)1
  • A4 hard cover book (96 pg)1
  • A4 pad Butterfly bright paper (50 pg)1
  • Prit glue stick (43 g)3
  • HB pencils5
  • Whiteboard markers assorted (4 pack, 650 bullet)2
  • A4 slate writing kenzel board1

🧴 Supply pack

  • Wet wipes (monthly)3
  • Tissues (monthly)1
  • Calpol / Panado (annually)1
  • Warm blanket (winter)1
  • Water bottle1
  • Hat1
  • Sunscreen1

Grade RR text books (R650) are billed to your account. Please settle as soon as possible. If anything is unclear, chat to Teacher Hazel.

Good to know

Under the Sea Class FAQs.

Where can my child do Grade RR in Olivedale, Randburg?

At Toddies in Olivedale, Randburg. Our Under the Sea Class (the Bright Sparks room) is our Grade RR group, usually for children around 4 to 5 years old, drawing families from Olivedale, Northriding, Ferndale, Bloubosrand, Randpark Ridge, Fourways and Waterford.

What is Grade RR and how does it get my child ready for Grade R?

Grade RR is the middle reception year, building the phonics, counting and pencil-control foundations children need before Grade R. Teacher Hazel leads our Bright Sparks room, focusing on those building blocks in a warm, structured way.

What must I pack for my child’s Grade RR year at your Olivedale preschool?

A supply & stationery pack, plus a set of Grade RR textbooks (billed to your account). All meals are included, so there is no daily lunchbox to pack. You’ll get the full list when you enrol.

What will my child learn in Grade RR in Olivedale, Randburg?

Phonics, early counting and number work, pencil control and the routines that get them ready for Grade R.

Join us

Ready to come visit?

Every day is Open Day. Pop in, meet Hazel and see how we set our Grade RR kids up to thrive.

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