How are primary children managed and taught remotely and most of all – how are they kept engaged over a long period of time behind a computer screen? 

Can primary school children really learn online?

This is the most common hesitation parents have around online schooling. The short answer is yes – but the experience for an online Grade R learner looks very different to that of a high school learner. 

Online primary schooling is not about sticking a child in front of a screen for six hours. It is a collaborative partnership between the school and the home that builds digital literacy, independence, and academic confidence far earlier than traditional methods.

This guide explores how Teneo approaches the Foundation Phase (Grades R-3) and Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6) to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your little one.

The "Learning Coach": Your role as a parent

The biggest difference between online primary school and high school is the level of adult supervision required. We call the adult at home the "Learning Coach."

In a traditional school, you drop your child off and hope the teacher notices if they are struggling. In online school, you have a front-row seat.

• Foundation Phase (Grades R-3): You (or a dedicated au pair/guardian) are heavily involved. You are the "technical assistant" who helps them log in, mute/unmute their microphone, and find their digital books. You are also the "classroom manager" who ensures they are sitting still and paying attention. You do not need to teach the content—our qualified teachers do that live—but you need to facilitate the environment.

• Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6): The goal here is a gradual release of responsibility. In Grade 4, you might still help set up the day. By Grade 6, your child should be logging in, checking their own timetable, and submitting tasks independently.

How we teach little ones online

You cannot lecture a 7-year-old for an hour. They will wiggle, zone out, or wander off. Our primary school is designed specifically for young attention spans. Here’s how we’ve structured it for young learners:

1. Gamification and interactivity: Our lessons are built to be "clicked." We use interactive tools where children can draw on the screen, participate in live polls, and play educational games that reinforce the lesson. Learning feels like play.

2. The "chunking" method: Lessons are shorter and punchier. We alternate between "heads-up" time (listening to the teacher and looking at the screen) and "heads-down" time (working in a physical workbook offline).

3. Offline creativity: We don't want to build robots at Tenor School. Art, handwriting, and physical projects are vital. A typical lesson might involve the teacher explaining a concept, and then the child spends 20 minutes building a model, drawing a picture, or practising cursive writing on actual paper – which they then photograph and upload.

Curriculum: The building blocks (CAPS)

We follow the nationally-used Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), which ensures your child is learning exactly what they need for their age group.

• Foundation Phase subjects: English (Home Language), First Additional Language (Afrikaans/IsiZulu/etc.), Mathematics, and Life Skills.

• Intermediate Phase subjects: We add Natural Sciences, Technology, and Social Sciences (History/Geography).

Because we follow CAPS, if you ever need to move your child back to a physical school (e.g., if you relocate), they will be perfectly synced with the learning level of their peers wherever they go. 

Socialisation: Will they make friends?

The playground is gone, but the friendships aren’t. In fact, online school removes the negative aspects of the playground (bullying, exclusion) while keeping the connection.

Teneo fosters relationships and friendships for young kids through:

• Breakout rooms: Teachers divide the class into small groups for discussions.

• Show and tell: A digital version of the classic activity allows children to share their world with friends.

• Virtual clubs: From "Young Coders" to "Arts & Crafts" and "Story Hour," our clubs allow children to connect over shared interests, not just shared geography.

Managing screen time

We are parents too. We know you are worried about eyes and posture throughout the school day. That’s why we incorporate mandatory: 

• Scheduled breaks: Our timetable has required breaks where we encourage "green time" (looking outside/going to the garden).

• Physical education: We have PE sessions that get kids jumping, stretching, and moving away from the desk.

Is your child ready?

Online primary school works best for families who can provide that initial support structure. It is an investment of time in the early years that pays off massively later. 

By the time Teneo learners reach high school, they are digitally fluent, self-motivated learners who breeze through university.

Learn more about Teneo's award-winning online primary school

Your child belongs at Teneo 

Teneo is rated the no. 1 online school in South Africa by HelloPeter. With 170+ SACE-registered teachers, we have helped more than 3 500 learners matriculate with a National Senior Certificate (NSC), opening the doors to tertiary education and future career opportunities. Our award-winning Smart School System™combines the best parts of in-person schooling, with the convenience and benefits of online learning for learners across South Africa. If you’re ready to take the next step towards education of the future, start your learning journey with Teneo today.