Our Background
Wh0 We Are
Vista Publications was started by two schoolteachers with many years of teaching experience in the Senior Primary school. They have been writing workbooks since the company was formed in 1992, and these workbooks have been used in schools throughout South Africa.
Power of Stories
Harnessing the love of reading
All children love listening to stories and there will always remain a place for the reading of stories for pure enjoyment. This interest in reading can, however, be harnessed, and the novel can be very effectively used as a springboard for the teaching and reinforcement of all aspects of English, as well as for the development of many other learning areas.
An appreciation and understanding of literature in the primary school will prepare the children for the study of literature in the high school, by making them familiar with the important aspects of the novel, namely themes, plot, setting and character development.
Careful handling of themes in the novels can result in life changing experiences for children. In learning about the characters, they learn more about themselves and their relationships with others. Through literature, their outlook on life is broadened, as they encounter new people and places.
The novels on which the workbooks are based have been carefully chosen and provide good models of language, strong themes and character development.
Trusted by Teachers
Our Workbooks
For the workbooks to be successful, each child should have a copy of the novel, so that he or she can follow as the teacher reads the appropriate chapter or chapters aloud to the class. The activities which follow in the workbook are then completed under the guidance of the teacher. It is very important that the teacher becomes familiar with the novel beforehand. Some activities can be completed at home, but discussion should first be done in the classroom.
Ideally one or two workbooks should be covered each year. These workbooks provide a well rounded and structured approach to the teaching of English, and the activities include reading, writing, speaking and listening. The activities are varied, and include different comprehension skills and types of writing. Grammar exercises are covered and have greater relevance as they are related to the novel.
The workbook forms the basis of English lessons for a few weeks, after which time the teacher can supplement the worksheets or reinforce weak areas. They eliminate the need for cutting and pasting worksheets on the part of the children, and are easy to handle and to mark. Answer sheets and lists of the learning outcomes covered are included with each order. The workbooks are reasonably priced and are a valuable aid to the busy teacher.