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Hester Horn |
About Hester Horn
I’m a passionate educator with over three decades of experience nurturing young minds. I began my teaching career in the Foundation Phase with a Grade 1 and 2 combination class, but everything changed 32 years ago when I stepped into a Grade R classroom for the first time — and discovered my true calling.
Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to early childhood education, completing additional studies focused on Grade R, along with an Honours degree in Early Childhood Development. I believe that teaching is not just a job — it’s a daily opportunity to inspire, uplift, and make a difference. I stepped in as Intervention Teacher for our Foundation Phase Learners and discovered and love learning new teaching methods for learners with diverse abilities and teaching needs.
I absolutely love working with children and seeing the world through their eyes. Their curiosity, creativity, and honesty are endlessly inspiring. I also enjoy engaging with older learners through art, coaching for Eisteddfods, running our school’s feeding scheme, and serving as a Basic Archery Instructor (BAI). I’ve completed training in play therapy and created a calming safe space at school, believing that every child deserves a place where they feel secure and valued.
Outside the classroom, you’ll often find me in nature — camping, painting, boogie boarding in the sea, or simply enjoying a great cappuccino. I treasure time spent with my family, friends, and especially my grandson. Community outreach is close to my heart. From fundraising for The Love of Hearing Foundation to organizing clothing drives for the homeless, I strive to be part of initiatives that bring hope and help where it’s needed most. As Ronald Reagan said: “We cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
In 2023 I received the Award for Excellence in Grade R teaching at the National Teachers Awards. In 2024 I received the Award for the Use of Diverse Teaching Methods at the SOS (School Support Systems) Teachers Awards.
Hester's Presentation
Click on the presentation below to read it and download it.
Creative Arts and Thinking in Teaching Math and Home Language
Innovative GR R educators integrate Creative Arts and thinking into Teaching Math and Home Language, fostering deeper understanding and engagement through imaginative, cross-disciplinary approaches.
