FasTracKids - Fourways

FasTracKids - Fourways

Get Directions Broadacres Ext 7 Cedar Road Shop 7 Broadacres Shopping Center
Johannesburg, Gauteng
South Africa
+27 11 467-0230
reception-fourways@fastrackids.com

Don't see a class that fits your schedule? Contact us and let us know what works for you and your family. We are currently expanding our schedule and want to meet the needs of our clients. You can influence the scheduling of our next class!

Welcome to FasTracKids!at you are about to read, could change the way your child learns for life
Discoverers

Come See How FasTracKids is "Learning, Cleverly Disguised as Fun!"

Welcome to FasTracKids! We offer early childhood education programs for age groups that range from 6 months to 8 years old. These programs are designed to help improve creativity, critical thinking and communication skills while preparing your children for school and life.
FasTracKids Learning
Independent research by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) has shown that a significant number of three to six year old children enrolled in FasTracKids improved their vocabulary and social skills at a rate 100% to 150% times faster than their peers not enrolled in the program. We at FasTracKids know that the most important learning years are during early childhood, where the ability to learn and grow knows no boundaries. FasTracKids Learning

The best way to find out if FasTracKids is the right program for your child is to sign up for a Free Discovery Class. You can do this by filling out the form in the left hand column or by contacting us.

If you would like to view a class schedule, click on a date in the Class Calendar in the left hand column.

Thank you for visiting us! If you have any questions, please use our contact information in the left hand column. Remember…there is a small “window of opportunity” for your child to make critical brain connections for future learning. Don't wait for this window to close on them!




FasTracKids - Fourways
FasTracKids - Fourways
FasTracKids - Fourways

About FasTracKids

About FasTracKids

FasTracKids Handstand Boy ImageFasTracKids® is a proven innovator in international early childhood education. Using programs designed for children 6 months to 8 years old, FasTracKids provides an educational advantage by encouraging children to discover a love of learning in a fun and interactive setting. FasTracKids utilizes revolutionary technology to reinforce a child’s communication, creativity, confidence, critical thinking and collaboration skills that will carry over into the home and school settings.

FasTracKids isn’t intended to replace early education, it is meant to enhance it. Using the FasTrack Learning Station®, FasTracKids is able to provide quality programs like the FasTracKids signature program, FasTrack® Signing, FasTrack® Tots, FasTrack® Music, FasTrack® Explorers, FasTrack® Discoverers, FasTrack® Camps and FasTrack® English. The FasTracKids platform provides a consistent, high quality delivery and teaching methodology that engages all of a child’s senses.

Mission-Philosophy

FasTracKids Objective & Mission

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FasTracKids® has a single objective and that is:

To provide quality, early learning programs worldwide through its Franchisees.

The mission that it shares with its Franchisees is:

To provide fun, interactive early learning programs while infusing a love of learning in children through preschool, early elementary school and beyond.

FasTracKids Philosophy

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The philosophy of the FasTracKids early learning programs begins with a child-centered classroom.  Students will discover their own abilities and potential to learn inside a classroom focused on an interactive education.  The children will have the opportunity to work in close cooperation with the instructor and will learn to expand their thoughts and to communicate effectively.  Each child is encouraged to explore their world and gain the confidence needed to engage fully in the early learning process.

Research-Studies

Research Studies

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Research shows that the size of children's vocabulary and social skills is directly linked to how they perform in school.  Independent testing by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) demonstrates that a significant number of three to six year old children enrolled in FasTracKids® improved their vocabulary and social skills at a rate 100% to 150% times faster than their peers not enrolled in the program. All children in the study improved.  Children who were kindergarten-aged advanced as much as one grade level and some of those students improved up to two grade levels.

 

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For years, FasTracKids parents, teachers and directors have seen firsthand the impact of FasTracKids programs on children and their academic careers.

“Shaan attended FasTracKids for a year and a half before entering kindergarten this year. At our first parent/teacher meeting, my husband and I were surprised and very pleased to hear that Shaan was not only doing well, but was already prepared to enter 1st grade.”

– Anita, mother of Shaan

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We’ve seen how our children have demonstrated positive leadership behaviors within the classroom, at home and on the playground. This quantitative analysis is what we’ve known and practiced for over a decade.

To learn more about the independent research conducted on FasTracKids, please read the full report.  The study results, press release, testimonials and FasTracKids fact sheet can be found below.

FasTracKids Study Results

FasTracKids Parent Observations


Testimonials

Words of Praise for FasTracKids

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Over the years, FasTracKids® and parents have formed a special partnership in developing a child's mind in the classroom and at home. Continuing to learn at home is just as important as developing communication, critical thinking, confidence, creativity and collaboration skills that are emphasized in every FasTracKids lesson. It is very exciting to know that parents, educators and children can speak about what FasTracKids has done for them.

 

Independent research on the FasTracKids program demonstrates that a significant number of three to six year old children enrolled in FasTracKids improved their vocabulary and social skills at a rate 100% to 150% times faster than their peers not enrolled in the program.

Research, parent, educator and child feedback confirms that FasTracKids reinforces children’s innate love of learning and helps them develop their potential.

Parents

“It has been a wonderful experience for Smaran at FasTracKids. He started when he was 3 and will be finishing the end of February 2009. When he first started, he used to be very shy and was not very communicative. But now, he has progressed so well that he outsmarts everyone at school. He has learned a lot from FasTracKids, especially social skills, team work and communication skills. We are very happy with his progress. In fact, we are planning to enroll our daughter in this program, too."

– Preetha and Subramanyan, Parents of FasTracKid Smaran (Age 5)

“We watched Landon's love for learning increase exponentially when he started FasTracKids last year. He already loved to learn new things and your teaching methods definitely supported that and heightened his curiosity even more. We believe he is at a critical (st)age and we are excited that we supplemented homeschooling with FasTracKids and even happier that it was such a perfect marriage and that Landon loves learning as much as, or more than, kids love candy.”

- Sophie, Parent of FasTracKid Landon (Age 5)

"I have found that learning for my 3-year-old is more than just memorizing the ABCs, colors and shapes. The learning is fun and you get a lot for your money."

- Mike, Parent of FasTracKid Ally

“Shaan attended FasTracKids for a year and a half before entering kindergarten this year. At our first parent/teacher meeting, my husband and I were surprised and very pleased to hear that Shaan was not only doing well, but was already prepared to enter 1st grade. I credit the FasTracKids program and his teachers, Ms. Kippi and Ms. Marla, for Shaan’s early success.”

- Anita, parent of FasTracKid Shaan (Age 5)

Educators

" No other Early Childhood program, in my opinion, has shown such dramatic results in so short a time period."

- New York Public School Principal

"The students enrolled in FasTracKids, when they reach primary school, are more eager to learn and to ask questions about Why and How. I can also state that these students have better speaking and communication skills, they have developed their leadership skills, they know how to apply and transfer knowledge and, generally speaking, they have enriched their education throughout the Program."

- Elementary School Principal in Portugal

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Students

“I really like my FasTracKids class. I love to see and touch the whiteboard because there I have learned new things that I can then share with my friends. I also like to be filmed by the camera and then see what we said. FasTracKids has helped me pay better attention to what I’m learning and to know better the world I live in.”

- Giovanni, FasTracKids student in Venezuela

FasTracKids®

FasTracKids Signature Program Logo FasTracKids® - FasTracKids teaches preschool and early elementary school-aged children 3 - 8 years old to use creativity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration skills through fun, interactive activities.

FasTracKids Signature Program Logo

FasTracKids ImageIs your child prepared to succeed in our ever-changing world? FasTracKids® teaches preschool and early elementary school-aged children 3 - 8 years old to use creativity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration skills through fun, interactive activities. Using the FasTrack Learning Station®, children explore 12 subjects ranging from traditional topics such as biology, astronomy, and art as well as subjects not usually covered in early learning like economics, technology, and goals & life lessons. A 96 week program held once-a-week for two hours gives your child the necessary skills to succeed in school and in life. A modular curriculum allows for enrollment of a student at any time.

 

Children learn by seeing, hearing, touching and doing. Children control the pace of the class by responding to the classroom teacher and content presented from the FasTrack Learning Station. FasTracKids is taught on the Learning Station, which integrates CD-ROM lessons with an interactive whiteboard. Videotaping of presentations and what children have learned from a lesson provides feedback to parents and documented progress. FasTracKids lessons utilize a unique methodology called Educational Zigzagging℠. Activities change frequently in order to maintain the interest of the children and helping them to develop focus and concentration skills. An 8:1 student to teacher ratio with up to 16 children in a class allows time for personal attention from teachers.

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FasTracKids focuses on the process of learning (how) as well as the content of the lessons (what). Each of the two hour lessons explains the how and what of the 12 different subjects, prompting children to ask Why? FasTracKids includes fun, attention-grabbing topics such as: Astronomy, Biology, Communications, Creative Literature, Creativity, Earth Science, Economics, Goals and Life Lessons, Mathematics, Natural Science, Speech, Drama and Art, and Technology. Children have 16 hours of instruction for each subject area. Parent conferences are conducted throughout the program, offering opportunities for in-person discussions about a child’s progress.

FasTracKids® Tots

FasTrack Tots LogoFasTrack® Tots – Our toddler program allows children 2 - 3 1/2 years old to constructively develop their curiosity as well as their communication, concentration, self esteem and social skills.

FasTrack Tots Logo

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Isn't it wonderful how young children have so much curiosity? Our toddler program allows children 2 - 3 1/2 years old to constructively develop their curiosity as well as their communication, concentration, self esteem and social skills. Children participate in our early learning classes using songs, movement, and hands-on activities one hour per week. FasTrack Tots prepares children for pre-school and gives them a seamless transition into the FasTracKids® signature program.

FasTrack® Tots is taught on the FasTrack Learning Station®, which integrates CD-ROM lessons with an interactive whiteboard. Children learn by seeing, hearing, touching and doing. Children control the pace of the class by responding to the classroom teacher and content presented from the Learning Station. FasTracKids lessons utilize a unique methodology called Educational Zigzagging℠. Activities change frequently in order to maintain the interest of the children and help them to develop focus and concentration skills.

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FasTrack Tots introduces toddlers to the classroom experience. Designed for the shorter attention spans of these early learners, FasTrack Tots uses engaging lessons that involve songs, movement and hands-on activities. Basic social, leadership and teamwork skills are emphasized when children interact with other students, teacher assistants and teachers in the class. Children are able to use newly found communication skills and develop self-esteem through classroom discussions, role-plays and activities.

Progress reports allow teachers to share written results with parents and separates FasTracKids from other early education programs. FasTrack Tots follows the same schedule and curriculum as FasTracKids classes, allowing children to easily transition into the two-hour FasTracKids class when they are developmentally ready.

FasTracKids® Music

FasTrack Music Logo

FasTrack® Music (2 - 4 years old) - In FasTrack Music for 2 - 4 year olds, children get to move, sing, pretend, and share their love for music. As children engage in the music program, they improve their memory, cognitive development, learning skills and their ability to express emotion.

FasTrack® Music (4 - 6 years old) - The advanced program for 4 - 6 year olds is based on the same concepts as the 2 - 4 year old program, but the curriculum is focused on preparing children for formal music lessons while still having a fun, positive experience.

FasTrack Music Logo

FasTrack Music Image

What would the world be without music? In FasTrack® Music, 2 - 4 year olds get to move, sing, pretend, and share their love for music. As children engage in the music program, they improve their memory, cognitive development, learning skills and their ability to express emotion. This early learning program is a fun and energetic way to introduce children to the creative world of music. Through the award-winning ABC Music & Me™ curriculum, children learn musical terms such as forte (loud) and piano (quiet). Children also learn group social behaviors such as taking turns, cooperation and listening. Children are encouraged to explore instruments, which increases auditory discrimination and a foundation for future musical interests. Optional monthly parent kits are available so that children can continue the fun while at home.

The advanced program for 4 - 6 year olds is based on the same concepts as the 2 - 4 year old program, but the curriculum is focused on preparing children for formal music lessons while still having a fun, positive experience. FasTrack Music Image Children are introduced to composers, songs and musical styles such as classical and jazz while learning notation, new instruments and music vocabulary. Children are also introduced to the keyboard and learn basic keyboarding techniques. The advanced program can act as a precursor for formal music lessons if the child is interested. These lessons provide a solid foundation for music education and a lifelong appreciation of music and movement.

Research shows music helps children become better learners, and that even a newborn emotionally responds to music. Research also shows that there is a link between mathematical abilities in students and their musical awareness. The fun, energetic FasTrack Music program is the perfect way to start a child's lifelong educational career.

FasTracKids® Signing

FasTrack Signing LogoFasTrack® Signing – This program is designed for infants and toddlers between the ages of 6 months - 2 years who will eventually develop the capacity to communicate verbally. This program is designed specifically for children; but as every parent knows their child can communicate before he or she is able to speak.

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Have you ever wondered what your infant is thinking? This program is designed for infants and toddlers between the ages of 6 months - 2 years who will eventually develop the capacity to communicate verbally. This program is designed specifically for children; but as every parent knows their child can communicate before he or she is able to speak. In this program parents, caregivers and babies are taught how to communicate through gestures, even before the child can speak! Research shows that children who learn how to communicate through gestures (signing) begin to speak with a larger vocabulary. Having a way to communicate between parent and child can also reduce a lot of frustration. FasTrack® Signing classes run once a week for 45 minutes, making it a nice fit for busy schedules.

Based on American Sign Language (ASL) practices, FasTrack Signing offers two levels of classes. The "Beginner Play Class" is appropriate for children 6 months - 2 years old. No experience with signing is necessary. The "Intermediate Play Class" is designed for families with children 12 months and older who have taken the Beginner Play Class and already know some signing. Classes include learning gestures to songs, small activity groups as well as large group interactions. ASL practices may lead to increased IQ and may promote higher level of speech and dynamic impact on language development for your child.

FasTrack Signing creates a "community for learners", where parents socialize with each other while interacting with their infants. FasTrack Signing uses four unique strategies to facilitate a child's learning and conceptual development. "The Four FasTrack Signing Strategies" are all important components to learning to communicate effectively with your infant.

FasTrack Signing Image1.  Recognizing Appropriate FasTrack Signing Moments

FasTrack Signing teaches how to recognize when your child is fully engaged and how to use that moment to teach the appropriate gesture. Utilizing Signing Moments makes interactions between a parent and child a two-way conversation.

2.  Immersing Your Child in Signs

Children learn signs faster when parents produce a sign on an object or directly on their child’s body in order to give the child a feel for the sign. For example, an infant will learn the sign for “ball” more easily if they are playing with an actual ball.


3.  Understanding Your Child's Unique Signs

Your child could be signing to you and you might not recognize it.  This strategy helps parents begin to notice their child’s early signs. When children are learning to talk, their early words are approximations of the words they hear people say.  The same is true for signing.


4.  Reinforcing a Lifelong Love of Learning

The FasTrack Signing program provides the tools to promote both early communication and long-term learning.  Teaching the signs and strategies through context allows parents to expand the use of signing in a constructive and fun early childhood environment.


 

 

FasTracKids® Explorers

FasTrack Explorers LogoFasTrack® Explorers - A fun, multi-day "adventure" for children 2 - 4 years old that incorporates elements of FasTrack® Tots in addition to literacy and math components.

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FasTrack Explorers ImageExploring is a natural instinct for any child, so why not allow them to find answers to their questions? A fun, multi-day "adventure" for children 2 - 4 years old that incorporates elements of FasTrack Tots® in addition to literacy and math components. With a mixture of hands-on activities, communication, public speaking skills, focus on language and numbers, children get a fun and balanced early education. This program runs three hours a day, up to 5 days a week for 44 weeks.

FasTrack® Explorers is a teacher-led program that provides a solid foundation for future academic growth in preschool aged children. By utilizing the teaching of creativity, communication, confidence, critical thinking and collaboration skills, FasTrack Explorers is able to have child centered learning through an exciting, interactive program. Math elements, such as number, sequence and pattern activities are foundational exercises for future learning. Phonics elements provide language activities that encourage children to play, create and expand verbal vocabulary. Music activities are also used in FasTrack Explorers to increase gross motor skills and auditory discrimination with children's rhymes. The FasTrack Learning Station® is the driving force behind the Explorers program and is evident in every FasTrack Explorers lesson.

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With up to 9 different activities during a day, FasTrack Explorers students are exposed to Educational Zigzagging℠. This method allows children to gather information through exposure to visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning, meeting the needs of various learning styles. Elements that can be found in the FasTrack Explorers program include: Welcome Time (transistion and socialization), Welcome Circle (creative expression) FasTracKids Learning Station (science and creativity), Snack Time (socialization), Movement (gross motor skills), Academic Stations (language, literacy and math), Music Time (FasTrack Music), Creative Time (culture and art) and Closing Circle (creative expression).

FasTracKids® Discoverers

FasTrack Discoverers LogoFasTrack® Discoverers - Similar to FasTrack® Explorers, FasTrack Discoverers is a multi-day program that utilizes other FasTracKids programs in a subject-based curriculum. Using the FasTracKids signature program along with developmentally appropriate activities, children 3 - 5 years old can improve their communication and language skills.

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FasTrack Discoverers ImageChildren are naturally curious, so why not let them discover something new? Similar to FasTrack®Explorers, FasTrack® Discoverers is a multi-day program that utilizes other FasTracKids programs in a subject-based curriculum. Using the FasTracKids® signature program along with developmentally appropriate activities, children 3 - 5 years old can improve their communication and language skills. Children are also introduced to activities that improve literacy, phonics, math and music knowledge while having fun. This program runs three hours a day, up to 5 days a week for 44 weeks.

FasTrack Discoverers is a teacher led program that provides a solid foundation for future academic growth in preschool aged children. By utilizing the teaching of creativity, communication, confidence, critical thinking and collaboration skills, FasTrack Discoverers is able to have child centered learning through an exciting, interactive program. The FasTrack Learning Station® is the driving force behind the Discoverers program and is evident in every FasTrack lesson.

FasTrack Discoverers ImageWith up to 9 different elements during a day, FasTrack Discoverers students are exposed to Educational Zigzagging℠. This method allows children to gather information through exposure to visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning, meeting the needs of various learning styles. During the language and literacy portion of the class, children learn about phonics and how to read and write. The math portion of class allows children to learn basic addition and subtraction, how to tell time and even the concept or recognition of currency or money. Music activities that integrate movement, rhymes and songs provide a creative outlet in every class.

Elements of the FasTrack Discoverers program include: Welcome Time (transition and socialization), Welcome Circle (creative expression) FasTracKids Learning Station (science and creativity), Snack Time (socialization), Movement (gross motor skills), Academic Stations (language, literacy and math), Music Time (FasTrack Music), Creative Time (culture and art) and Closing Circle (creative expression).

FasTracKids® Camps

FasTrack Camps Logo FasTrack® Camps - Having trouble finding a camp that is constructive, engaging and fun? FasTracKids® has a day camp that fills all of those needs. For three hours a day, camps can be offered as a one week or one day program to provide the flexibility in length and curriculum. This is a fun, simple option for children that are on holiday break or out of school for a substantial amount of time. Schedule and age groups vary according to the center.

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Having trouble finding a camp that is constructive, engaging and fun? FasTracKids® has a day camp that fills all of those needs. For three hours a day, camps can be offered as a one week or one day program to provide the flexibility in length and curriculum. This is a fun, simple option for children that are on holiday break or out of school for a substantial amount of time. Schedule and age groups vary according to the center.

Parents who want to keep their children busy for a short period of time but in a constructive, educational way find that FasTrack® Camps is the place for their children. With exposure to a variety of early education programs and demonstrating our interactive technology with the FasTrack Learning Station®, FasTrack Camps gives parents an opportunity to participate in the FasTracKids programs.

FasTrack Camps are offered in a variety of languages. Centers usually offer these camps during holiday breaks, summer vacation or periods of time when children are out of school.

Week Camp Topics

Description

Young Scientists, Old Bones Subject Image
Young Scientists, Old Bones
Your child will meet Dr. Dino, a paleontologist who will guide the students as they explore the land of dinosaurs with his friend Terrance, the flying reptile. Don’t miss the FasTracKids Dinosaur Museum, which will showcase your child’s projects!
Anatomy of Me Subject Logo
Anatomy of Me
Through the exploration of different major anatomical or body systems (skeletal, respiratory, digestive, circulatory & nervous), your child will explore the human anatomy and learn to develop healthy habits along the way.
Ready, Set, Travel Subject Image
Ready, Set, Travel
FasTracKids will travel to various regions of the world and learn how children in those countries live. Visit the FasTracKids International Expo at the end of the week.
Destination Constellation Subject Image
Destination Constellation
Watch your child become a "FasTronaut" while learning about how astronauts train, live and work in space. Visit the FasTracKids Space Station at the end of the week.
Ready, Set, Travel 2 Logo
Ready, Set, Travel 2
All aboard the FasTrack Supersonic Exploring airplane! Azora and FasTracKids will fly to different countries across the world while learning games, famous landmarks and delicious foods found in those countries. The countries that are explored are Italy, Brazil, Egypt and the USA.
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Spencer Learns Sports
Our favorite bunny is learning exercises and sports from around the world! FasTracKids join Spencer as he learns different stretches, exercises, yoga techniques and sports. Teammates and coaches teach how each sport is played and how sports give life lessons.


Day Camp Topics

Description

Discovering Snowflakes Subject Image
Discovering Snowflakes
Let it Snow! Children can create their own snowflake and a snow globe to take home. While conducting exciting experiments, children learn about atoms, molecules and snowflakes
Our Wonderful Earth Subject Image
Our Wonderful Earth
Is there more water than land on Earth? This question and others about oceans, ocean life, rocks, crystals and fossils are answered through experiments such as "Sand to Water Experiment" and "Rocks and Stones to Feel".

Your Creative Imagination Subject Image
Your Creative Imagination
Everyone has an imagination. Children will be exposed to many classical works of art and use their own creativity to create modern art. Children will use their senses to experience art all around them and use their creativity to solve problems.
High Up In The Sky Subject Image
High up in the Sky
The universe is bigger than you and I. Children learn about the solar system, specifically stars and planets, through sing-a-longs and building a solar system mobile among other "astronomical" activities.

The FTK Way

FasTracKids Making Music ImageFasTracKids Learning Station Image

Hearing + Seeing = Knowing Your Child is Learning!

Progress reports, a FasTracKids Parents website and videos help parents experience their child's education first hand!

Parents play a very important and influential part in a child's education.  Education.com's article titled "What Research Says on Parent Involvement in Children's Education" shows that the earlier a parent gets involved with their child's education, the more successful they are going to be. At FasTracKids, we don’t just enroll children, we enroll families. We welcome and expect parental involvement.

Progress reports, parent-teacher conferences, videotapes and a Parents Website help parents stay involved in their child's progress in FasTracKids, as well as continue their learning at home.

FasTracKids progress reports are sent out during the year and are on a "reflective scale" (using words to describe progress instead of number or letter grades).  Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled to allow parents and teachers to establish learning goals and track progress for each individual child.

Technology also helps FasTracKids and parents monitor a child's progress in the program.  Children are video-recorded, presenting what they have learned in class that day. Not only do children develop the skills to make well-planned, poised presentations and develop self-confidence, but parents are able to see what their child has learned from each lesson. A library of videotapes shows progress from one class to the next, cataloging a child's development.

The FasTracKids Parents website offers a review of each lesson and additional activities to do at home to support what a child has learned. FasTracKids Centers also offer a "parent class", where parents experience for themselves the unique FasTracKids curriculum.

Our goal at FasTracKids is to support parents in preparing your children for school and developing a lifelong love of learning.

Educational Research

Educational Research

FasTracKid With Earth Image

Research has shown that the most important learning years are from 0-8, as the brain forms vital connections. When we are born, we have billions of brain cells. The minute we start receiving stimuli, such as the light our eyes see, the sounds we hear, and what we touch, the brain begins to form connections. It's like we are building this massive highway system to the brain and it's by this highway that the information we learn travels quickly. The stronger and wider we can make those connections between the ages of 0-8, the larger the platform for our capacity for learning.

Research shows that high-quality education positively affects overall educational outcomes. Children lacking language, reading and social skills when they reach kindergarten are highly unlikely to be prepared for their academic career, where reading to learn is critical and a good predictor of a child being able to graduate from high school.

Lawmakers and leaders all over the world have also seen the importance of stimulating the brain's connections at an early age.  The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) director W. Steven Barnett states "Children who attend high-quality preschool enter kindergarten with better pre-reading skills, richer vocabularies, and stronger basic math skills than those who do not."  In a featured news story from the Malaysian National News Agency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak talked about early childhood education, saying "Every child is precious and children are assets to our society.  It is the most valuable resource of the nation.  I believe that developing a nation and its people begins with early childhood education."

Not only does a quality early childhood education lead to valuable resources, but it is also a smart financial investment.  Economist and Nobel Laureate James J. Heckman argues in an editorial from The Republican that "early intervention for disadvantaged children promotes staying in school, raises the quality of the work force, enhances the productivity of schools and has the effect of reducing crime, teen pregnancy and dependency on welfare.  Those savings add up to a 60 percent return on the investment in early education.".

Early education doesn't just start in the classroom, it also starts at home.  Parental involvement is vital to the confidence and educational development of children.  Colin Rose and Malcom J. Nicholl wrote about parent involvement in the book Accelerated Learning for the 21st Century.  An excerpt from that book talks about parental involvement and how it can change a child's life.

"The earlier you help your youngster appreciate that learning is a joyful adventure, the more likely he [or she] is to achieve his full potential in life."

 

 

Brain-Based Research

Brain-Based Education and Educational Zigzagging

FasTracKid in Hat ImageNeurological Research

The importance of early education is supported by many research studies and many educators. How to deliver early education to young children and take full advantage of the opportunities to wire the brain is not so well defined. Development of a program to instruct young children must include experts in early childhood education who have focused their research on how the brain learns. Research is the basis for the FasTracKids® signature curriculum and it determined how the early childhood education program was constructed.

 

The following are some facts that we do know about brain development:

  • Heredity provides 30% to 60% of the brain’s wiring, while the child’s environment provides 40% to 70% of the brain’s wiring.
  • Brain plasticity is defined as the brain’s ability to process the stimulation that it receives, growing more connections and developing a more efficient and faster processing brain.
  • The brain changes through the process of making connections, not arriving at answers or solutions.
  • Environmental stimulation can impact the IQ of a child by 20 points...either up or down.
  • The school aged brain almost glows with energy consumption, burning 225% more glucose than the brain of an adult.
  • The brain learns fastest and easiest during the early education years.
  • By age five, 50% of the brain’s learning capacity has been wired. By age eight, 80% of the brain’s learning capacity has been wired.
  • Circuits in different regions of the brain mature at different times, creating a window of opportunity.

*These facts are found in The Learning Revolution by Gordon Dryden and Jeannette Vos, and Teaching With the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen

 

 

Educational Zigzagging Chart

How Brain-Based Education is used in the FasTracKids Programs

The uniqueness of children’s minds creates a special challenge for FasTracKids instructors. Brain changes are still noticeable 48 hours after stimulation to the brain occurs. Many of these changes are significant to and predictive of the child’s future learning. In studying the brain, we have learned that the areas developed depend on the type of stimulation received.

FasTracKids students are exposed to complex activities to exercise and form brain connections. These activities must be presented in a fun, challenging way to insure that the children are engaged. They are further enhanced when they are accompanied by continuous feedback from instructors and peers.

FasTracKids utilizes Educational Zigzagging methods that promote repetition without repeating the same piece of information in the same way. The content of the FasTracKids program is combined with the unique delivery of the lesson to form the key ingredients for growing young minds. The subject matter is continually reinforced through new activities using different modalities throughout the lesson to strengthen the children’s neural connections, without the typical loss of interest.

Educational Zigzagging refers to the learning of a concept by reinforcement of the subject matter through the use of many different exposures and applications. In a FasTracKids lesson, the concept to be learned is the center focus and is presented on the FasTrack Learning Station®. After each exposure to the concepts, activities are planned to strengthen the learning of the concepts. This includes learning through hand-on projects, experiments, role-plays and videotaping. The return after each activity to concepts presented by the lesson results in a zigzagging effect.

 

 

FasTracKids Educational Goals

FasTracKids Educational Goals

World Goals Wall Image

1. To Prepare Children for School and for Life:

When today’s children begin to enter the workforce, chances are that they will be working in jobs that have not been created yet. Children will need the ability to think creatively in order to succeed in our rapidly changing world. The FasTracKids® classroom is a child-centered environment, where children are encouraged to be instrumental in their own learning. The incorporation of an interactive whiteboard, part of the FasTrack Learning Station®, allows the children to be directly involved in the early learning concepts that are being studied. Their interaction with this technology gives them confidence at an early age that will be useful later in life, when other technology skills are needed. The CD-Rom based curriculum combines hands-on activities, role plays, experiments and videotaping to develop a fun, interactive lesson. The students will grow in their self confidence and self esteem while they build a solid foundation for future learning. When children begin their learning experience in a fun, high energy environment, their love of learning will carry through the remainder of their educational experiences.

2.  To Develop Creative Thinking and Problem Solving:

These early childhood lessons promote active and reactive thought processes by engaging children in the exciting subjects of the FasTracKids curriculum.  The experiments and hands-on activities make the most of children’s creative problem solving (lateral thinking), critical thinking and expressive processes.  Children explore the world of decision-making and build on their entrepreneurial skills.  Creativity and originality are stressed through discussions, projects and activities.  Children join together to strengthen their ability to work toward a common goal.  The FasTracKids curriculum is a balanced early education program that utilizes both hemispheres of the brain.  Through experiments, projects and hands-on activities, the children identify and solve problems as they encounter new challenges along the learning continuum.

3.  To Build Communication and Speaking Skills:

The FasTracKids curriculum teaches how to use extensive discussions and reporting to help children make the most of their communication skills.  Through the use of videotaping, the children organize their thoughts and ideas into presentable narratives for their classmates.  Children are encouraged to use full sentences and new vocabulary to expand their presentation skills.  Using role-play and working in groups, the children practice negotiation skills and join together as a team for the successful execution of early childhood projects.

4.  To Teach the Application and Transfer of Knowledge:

Children are given the opportunity through hands-on activities and projects to understand the meaning of the acquired information from the FasTracKids lessons.  The children learn to classify and categorize the new concepts and experiences into a logical order. They are able to apply this newly found knowledge to challenging everyday situations.  A student’s ability to receive information and create a relevant connection to a new situation shows a higher order thought process and assures that the student fully understands concepts that are presented.

5.  To Promote Leadership and Personal Growth:

Children assume positive leadership roles as they role-play and interact in group situations.  They, in turn, develop the ability to follow someone else’s lead and become a functional team member.  The teams are responsible for decision-making and follow-through as they complete their goal.  The experience of leading a team in early childhood strengthens the self-esteem and confidence of students.  The practice of interpersonal skills helps students be internally motivated in setting and attaining personal goals in school and in life.

6.  To Encourage a Lifelong Love of Learning:

Children love FasTracKids because the programs capture their attention and stimulate their curiosity.  They experience the joy of success and strive to reach new education heights.  Through actively engaging in the early learning process, they develop an insatiable desire to know more.  This desire turns into a passion for learning that ultimately leads to continued success as children become life-long learners.

 

 

FasTrack Learning Approach

FasTrack Learning Approach

FasTracKids® is committed to encouraging every child to maximize his or her potential. FasTracKids classes are focused on helping children excel in creativity, communication, confidence, critical thinking and collaboration. Our proprietary Educational Zig-zagging℠ method allows children to gather information through exposure to visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning, meeting the needs of various learning styles. This method allows FasTracKids to accommodate many different learning styles, while identifying the development of different early learning skills. FasTracKids incorporates these elements in each structured lesson, providing opportunities for children to experience growth in each subject area while having a great time.

The following diagram shows what percentage of each lesson the FasTracKids® signature program devotes to each early learning skill.

The FasTrack Learning Station

FasTrack Learning Station Image

The same technology used in leading academic and science centers like Oxford University, MIT, Harvard University and NASA along with leading research centers and companies such as Microsoft, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Merrill Lynch and Boeing is also found in the FasTracKids classroom. At the heart of the FasTracKids® Curriculum are CD-ROM based lessons delivered via The FasTrack Learning Station®, a unique combination of computer technology, LCD projection and an interactive white board. This exciting technology engages children in the early learning process and allows trained FasTracKids instructors to concentrate on the developmental needs of each child.

The FasTrack Learning Station allows trained instructors to display multimedia video, sound, and illustrations into classroom sessions while enabling students to interact with objects and images they see on screen. With over 10 years of interactive whiteboard research, international education experts say that this technology will improve motivation and attendance, accommodate different learning styles, improve material retention and increase teacher productivity.  The interactive whiteboard answers the needs of both visual and kinesthetic learners by showing large, vibrant images while letting children physically interact with material by moving letters, numbers, words and pictures with their fingers.  Children that have special needs can see, read and manipulate information easier on the whiteboard than in traditional education.  This innovative technology helps bring early learning to life and opens up new worlds with challenges and opportunities for children.

“My six-year-old daughter is very curious, and she is always eager to go to FasTracKids class,” wrote the mother of Monira, a FasTracKids student in Bangladesh. “She has truly enjoyed the FasTracKids Biology class, where she had the chance to visit the Amazon Rainforest, Antarctica, and the Sahara Desert. Moreover, she told us about this experience and what she saw, including camels and jackals in the desert, whales and penguins in Antarctica, and snakes, birds, monkeys, frogs and trees in the Amazon.”

With the expectations brought about by our rapidly changing world, focusing directly on early childhood education and how children can succeed is of paramount importance.  FasTracKids uses its FasTrack Learning Station to help discover new worlds of potential in young children. With lessons being taught on CD-ROM, the curriculum is consistently presented throughout the world.  This helps our teachers be quality facilitators of the lessons.  We firmly believe that when we all take steps to make better students, it’s a giant leap into a better future.

 

 

Videotaping

Lights, Camera, Remember!

FasTracKids Videotaping ImageFasTracKids® videotaping helps with public speaking and recalling previous lessons.

Young children giving an oral presentation on concepts they have learned is not a common technique in early childhood education. Allowing children the experience of being videotaped and reviewing their own presentations develops children's creativity, communication, confidence, critical thinking and collaboration skills and is extraordinarily unique. Also, by having students organize their thoughts and displaying them in front of a camera and audience, FasTracKids shows parents proof of what their child is learning while students gain self confidence in sharing their ideas.

Opportunities to videotape students are usually scheduled in advance by the teacher, giving the students time to prepare their presentations. After the child has prepared his or her presentation, a FasTracKids teacher videotapes the child presenting what he or she has learned. Each lesson is taught using the FasTrack Learning Station® that includes a combination of activities, role-play scenarios or projects that children participate in. Usually, teachers will use activities, role-play scenarios or projects as opportunities to have children present what they know in front of the camera.

Students are videotaped regularly throughout all of the FasTracKids programs, giving parents documented proof of their child's progress in communication, public speaking, confidence and recollection skills. When students aren't being videotaped, they are part of the audience that includes the FasTracKids teacher, providing positive, constructive feedback for the student who just presented.

FasTracKids Franchisee Wins Prestigious Award
Top New Student Enrollments Award given at International Meeting 
 

Las Vegas, NV, USA October 22, 2011 – Internationally known early childhood education franchise FasTracKids has presented Gary Bekker with the Top New Enrollments for a Center (Middle East/Africa) award at this year’s International Meeting.

 

As a FasTracKids Franchisee, Mr. Bekker has been presenting early childhood education advantages to over 80 new students in Johannesburg.  With interactive educational programs offered to different age groups, Mr. Bekker’s Johannesburg center is continuing to grow. 

 

“We cultivate the development of physical, emotional, social, cognitive and communication skills during what is proven to be an extremely important time of a young child’s life. Our innovative programs help prepare our children to succeed and thrive in school and life. In saying that we would like to thank our staff and parents for all the hard work and support in getting us to where we are today.” says Mr. Bekker. 

 

This year’s FasTracKids International Meeting, which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, emphasized creating connections.  Mr. Bekker has exemplified this theme by running multiple FasTracKids programs that improve literacy, phonics, math and music knowledge while having fun.  Mr. Bekker is also the FasTracKids Area Developer for South Africa, helping to promote and open new centers throughout the country.

 

We’re very proud of the results that Mr. Bekker and his team have achieved in bringing FasTracKids’ 5 C’s to children throughout Johannesburg. Through Gary’s efforts, children develop the necessary critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, confidence and creativity skills to prepare them for school and life” says Nancy Faunce, FasTracKids CEO.

 


 
 
FasTracKids® is a registered mark of FasTracKids International, Ltd.
 

Be the star in your FasTracKids Birthday Party!

A FasTracKidsÒ Birthday Party brings a smile to your face!

In FasTracKids we help your child become the star of the day while his/her friends have a fun, exciting time.

We offer imaginative, age-appropriate, fun birthday activities!

 FTK_birthday_celebrate

FasTracKids Fun Package  

  

  

 Games, dramatic play, laughs , memories video, hands-on fun experiments and/or creative activities  

Educational content cleverly disguised as fun  

  

Experienced FasTracKidsÒ teachers organize all the fun!                                                  BIRTHDAY1

 

FASTRACKIDS BIRTHDAY THEMES

“Flying”

Your child will have fun creating a helicopter and a plane and flying them in competitions with friends.

Your child will run the show when exploring the world of Economics, where they pretend to be part of a marketing team that designs & markets a toy monster

Your child will be part of an artistic adventure, creating sculptures and making music with friends.

Your child will run the show exploring masks, props, lighting and sound effects, and costumes to make their very own drama.

Your child will be part of an imaginary adventure that helps
him or her realize how fun it is to join with others to set goals
and be creative
.

Your child will become a scientist taking a trip to Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef, making a volcano along the way!

 

FasTracKids Fun Package

R1300

This includes a two hour fun filled program for 16 children, the use of the venue (Saturday 12:00—16:00 )cleaning up

afterwards and refreshments for the parents.

 

FasTracKids Fun Package

R1300

This includes a two hour fun filled program for 16 children, the use of the venue (Saturday 12:00—16:00 )cleaning up

afterwards and refreshments for the parents.

 

“Nature and Science”

 “Life is Great”

 “Drama”

 “Art and Music”

“The World We Live In”

All the children continually participate in the activities   Incredible theme-based party following your child’s favorite  theme.  The Birthday child is the star all the time  

Term 1 (58 Days)

 

Start: Wednesday 11 January

               

Half Term: Thursday 23 February (Close at 12:00)

                               

Public Holiday: 21 March

 

Close: 4 April – At 12:00

 

Easter Weekend: 6th – 9th April

 

Holiday Programs:

10th – 13th – Anatomy & Me

16th – 20 -  Ready Set Travel

23rd – 26th – Exploring Our Earth

 

Public Holiday: 27th - 1st May

 

Staff return the 2nd May

 

Term 2 (66 Days)

 

Start: Thursday 3 May

                 

Public Holiday:  18 May (election day)

 

Half Term: Friday 29 June (Close at 12:00)

                               

Holiday Program: 2nd – 6th July

 

Close: Wednesday 8 August at 12:00

 

Public Holiday: 9 August 

 

Holiday Programs:

13th – 17th – Destination Constellation

20th – 24th – Ready Set Travel 2

27th – 31st - Spenser Loves Sport

3rd – 8th -  Young Scientists, Old Bones

 

Term 3 (61 Days)

 

Start: Tuesday 11 September

               

Public Holiday: 24th September

 

Half Term: Thursday 18 October (Close at 12:00)

 

Pre-School Concert: 24 November

                               

Close: Friday 7 December at 12:00

 

Holiday Programs:

10th – 14thChristmas

 

I wanted to thank the school and the teachers for enriching little Alan's brain.
He continues to amaze us at home with the amount of knowledge that he has in his little head.
He has developed such great memory and he can actually do some of his brothers homework that is in grade 0.
Alan's confidence is improving a lot as well, which I was totally amazed when we took him to the Monte Casino Bird Gardens Show last week, he was very interactive and shouted at the top of his voice to the presenters.

I have also found that he is very technologically savvy, he will browse through a phone left at his reach and know where to find music, games and the CAMERA and will say "say cheese".
He is also very capable of navigating through a computer, switching it on and find his games.


Many Thanks

Tarisai (Mom of Alan, in grade 000 / Explorers class)

 

 

Thank you to you and your team at Broadacres Fastrackids for making such a difference in Morgan’s life and subsequently ours.   The effort and hands on commitment of Pandita, Judy and Sharon (and everyone else) has been noticed by family and friends alike. So much that Jarrod (a friend’s son whose already been through 18 operations in his 3½  years) is joining your Sandton Branch. 

 

His parents are so impressed by the techniques you implement and how much fun you make it when educating our kids.  They believe your programme will help Jarrod become everything a 3 ½ year old should be.

 

We all love the energy you give to the kids and have noticed the extra effort you put into the term and holiday courses.  As Jarrod’s mom said at the Fire Station visit: “ I know how quiet Morgan was, I saw firsthand how he blossomed and then I saw all the other kids at the Fire Station that went to Fastrackids. They were all so confident and happy and inquisitive. This is what told me that Fastrackids is a good choice for my son.”

 

Our son is no longer shy at all. He willingly lets his photo be taken, he communicates so well and in full sentences. Most importantly he is no longer frustrated because he can tell us what he is thinking.  He sings in the car every day now, he laughs and smiles. Now he reads his own stories (made up of course) at bedtime.  He creates his own games and is becoming ever more inventive.  He also loves being with the other children and as an only child this is very important for me.

 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making our son a happy kid.

 

Kind regards

Tanya (Mom of Morgan, Grade 000 / Explorers Class)

 

 

ftk_signing_logo

09:00 - 10:00

PARENTS & TOTS BABY CLASS

·  Children from 6 months to 23 months

·  12 Week program, once a week for 45 minutes.

·  Enrolment at any time.

·  The classes will focus on the motor development of the child as well as the FasTracKids signing program

 ftk_logo

 09:00 - 11:00

FASTRACKIDS CORE PROGRAM

· Children from 3-8 years of age.

· 96 Week program, once a week for 2 hours.

· Enrolment at any time.

· Teaches children creativity, communication, and critical thinking and collaboration skills.

· 12 Subjects ranging from Biology, Communications, Creative Literature, Earth Science, Natural Science, Astronomy, Speech, Drama, Art, Economics, Technology, Goals and Life lessons.

· Children are taught on the Learning Station with an interactive whiteboard. 16 Hours of instruction for each subject area.

· Videotaping of presentations and what children have learned provides feedback to parents and documented progress.

ftk_tots_logo

11:30 – 12:30

FASTRACKIDS TOTS

· Children from 2-3 years of age.

· 96 Week program, once a week for 1 hour.

· Enrolment at any time.

· Prepares children for pre-school and gives them a seamless transition into the FasTracKids signature program.

· Toddlers constructively develop their curiosity as well as communication, concentration, self esteem and social skills by using songs, movement and hands-on activities.

· Toddlers are taught on the Learning Station with an interactive whiteboard.

· Educational zig-zagging-activities change frequently in order to maintain toddler’s interest and to help them develop focus and concentration skills.

BIRTHDAY1

12:00 – 16:00

FASTRACKIDS PARTY VENUE

Be the star in your FasTracKids Birthday Party!

A FasTracKids

Ò Birthday Party brings a smile to your face!
 In FasTracKids we help your child become the star of the day  while his/her friends have a fun,

exciting time.

  We offer imaginative, age-appropriate, fun birthday activities!
Your child will be amazed by this celebration full of excitement for the entire family.

 

  

 

 

 

FTK_world1

 

 

 

 

  

Term Three Events …
fire_engine
 

 

 6th September—School Starts

 23rd September—Spring Picnic at the Lonehill Fire Station @ 2pm. R25/child

 6th October—Read for Record and Hooked on Books with Wiggle & Woggle Show.

R25/Child. Fancy Dress

book_worm2

 20th—24th October—Mid term break

 6th November—Family Outing to the JHB Civic—Pantomime—12pm—R220 /person

 16th November—Class Photos

 25th November—Reports

 26th November—Concert & Graduation. An African Dream—13:00— “where broadacres barnyard used to be” - R50 / person

 28th—Parent Evening

 2nd December—School Closes / Christmas party

jhb_zoo 

 

 3rd December—Zoo Snooze  - R130 / person. Pack your camping gear and torches

 5th—15th December  -  FasTracKids Holiday Programs

 11 January 2012—School Starts

 

ADMINISTRATION, OPERATIONS AND MARKETING   

  

Candice                                              Thando 

Candice                                                                                       Thando

Center Manager                                                                         Receptionist

 

Loretha

                                                          Loretha

                                                          School Bus Driver

 

PRE-SCHOOL TEACHERS AND ASSISTANTS

   

Diane

                 Rose 

Diane                                                                                Rose

Discoverers Teacher                                                     Discoverers Teaching Assistant

 

JudySharon

Judy                                                                                Sharon                                              

Explorers Teacher                                                        Explorers Teaching Assistant 

  

Teacher_Natalie                                            Vuyo            

Natalie                                                                                   Vuyo  

Tots At Play Teacher                                                         Tots At Play Teaching Assistant 

  

  ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS TEACHERS 

 

  

 

Picture to come                                                                                                  Picture to come  

 

Pandita                                                                                       Michelle

Tots and Core Teacher                                                           Core Teacher  

 

 

Judy

Judy 

Signing Class Teacher

 

 A UNIQUE LEARNING EXPERIENCE!

 

 FasTracKids present fun filled

Holiday Camps this December !

 

 young_scientists_old_bones

Young Scientists, Old Bones

 Your child will meet Dr. Dino, a paleontologist who will guide the students as they explore the land of dinosaurs with his friend Terrance, the flying reptile. Don’t miss the FasTracKids Dinosaur Museum, which will showcase your child’s projects!

 5th—9th December

 09:00—13:00                      

 R855 / Child

ready_set_travel_two

 

Ready, Set, Travel 2

 All aboard the FasTrack Supersonic Exploring airplane! Azora and FasTracKids will fly to different countries across the world while learning games, famous landmarks and delicious foods found in those countries. The countries that are explored are Italy, Brazil, Egypt and the USA.

 12th—15th December

 09:00—13:00

 R855 / Child

 

R855 / Child

 

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Testimonials

“Monica overcame many academic and social obstacles when she attended the FasTracKids program, and continues to show progress across all developmental domains."

Melanie, Parent of Monica (age 6)