"Send Help Guys": Woman Shares Why Grade 1 Is the Hardest Grade to Teach

• Dineo Gladness’s TikTok post revealed why teaching Grade 1 requires patience, creativity, and constant adaptability to support young learners
• Her picture of a pupil’s work highlighted the challenges of early literacy, showing how each scribble and mistake is part of growth
• The video resonated widely, sparking discussions among parents, teachers, and South Africans about the realities of early education and the dedication it demands
• Briefly News spoke to Asisipho Mbingeleli and Junior Anwar, both teachers, to better understand why early-grade teaching requires more than just lesson plans

Many viewers reflected on the critical role primary school teachers play, realising the immense effort behind shaping confident and capable learners while navigating classroom challenges.

On 29 January 2026, teacher Dineo Gladness shared a picture on TikTok showing one of her Grade 1 pupils’ writing exercises. The post highlighted how young learners are still developing basic literacy, making the first year of primary school one of the most challenging to teach. Dineo explained that guiding students through reading, writing, and early comprehension requires patience, consistency, and creativity.

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Her post sparked conversations around the realities of early education and how much effort it takes to lay a solid foundation for a child’s learning journey. Grade 1 teaching involves much more than lesson plans; it is about nurturing confidence and curiosity in children who are just beginning their educational paths. Teachers must constantly adapt to each student’s pace, correct mistakes gently, and foster a safe and encouraging environment. The picture Dineo shared captured the innocence and struggle of young learners, emphasising how every scribble, miswritten word, or creative attempt is a step forward. Educators often feel underappreciated, but their role is essential in shaping the academic and emotional growth of children, particularly in a country like South Africa, where classroom sizes can be large, and resources are limited.

Early primary teaching challenges revealed

User @dineo_gladness's post resonated with parents, educators, and the wider South African community. Many viewers shared stories of their own children’s early struggles or expressed admiration for teachers who take on the demanding first grade. TikTok users praised Dineo’s honesty and humour in showing real classroom moments. The viral traction reflected how universally relatable the challenges of teaching young children are, reminding viewers of the patience and dedication required behind the classroom doors.

South Africans responded with a mix of empathy and gratitude, appreciating the behind-the-scenes look at Grade 1 teaching. Many acknowledged that primary school educators deserve recognition and support for handling both the academic and emotional development of children. The discussion also highlighted the importance of parental involvement and understanding that early mistakes in writing or reading are normal and part of a learning process, sparking a nationwide conversation about education.

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Asisipho Mbingeleli told Briefly News that teachers play a crucial role in recognising potential at a young age because of how closely they work with learners daily.

“It is very important for teachers to recognise learners’ potential because we interact with them every day. We observe how they behave, how they treat others, and how they see life as a whole. We get to see them grow into confident and assertive young adults; something many of us were not when growing up.”

She explained that even small moments of encouragement can have lasting effects.

“A small positive comment about an improvement in a test mark or how well they played in a game goes a long way. Learners thrive when someone believes in them and reminds them how good they are.”

According to Asisipho, the motivation to keep teaching goes beyond academics.

“We keep showing up because of the relationships we build with learners. We want to see them succeed, not just in school, but grow into amazing young adults.”

Junior Anwar echoed the importance of belief, particularly for learners who may not come from supportive environments.

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“Not all learners come from backgrounds that inspire them to do better. Teachers become beacons of hope, instilling belief that one day they will become something. It changes how they think about themselves and their future.”

He said belief challenges learners to push themselves further.

“When a teacher believes in a learner, it encourages them to challenge themselves. Learners can see when a teacher has no hope in them; it shows. Believing in them raises their confidence, not only in class but outside the classroom too.”

For Junior, the rewards of teaching may not always be financial, but they are meaningful.

“I believe that the good you do to others always comes back to you. You just have to look for it.”

Here’s what Mzansi said

Zanelephungula_ wrote:

"My grade 1 son, first 3 days into grade 1. 🥰"

missrabii wrote:

"Too early for them to write in lines"

Happiness wrote:

"I just helped my daughter with homework yah. 😭 I was fighting for my life not to lose my temper."

Neo wrote:

"Mine writes small round things that end up triggering my tripophobia. 😭😭"

Nothembalethu wrote:

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"Dear parents, please let's teach our kids at home too, at least 3 years old, they must start learning writing circles and zigzags, it really helps. By the time they are 5yrs they know how to write and read. 📝❤️"

sabinaalexiusru24 wrote:

"When you choose a good preschool, this is how flex in grade 1."

Marejo wrote:

"Baseline assessment. 😭"

Check out the TikTok post below:

3 Other Briefly News stories about teachers

• A South African teacher working in China filmed a heartwarming exchange in which his young learner enthusiastically requested a lesson in the Setswana language.
• A South African woman teaching in China shared a quiet classroom moment that sparked global discussion.
• A South African teacher caught Mzansi’s attention after joining her learners in a trending dance challenge that quickly gained traction online.

Source: Briefly News