Max Claw mascot
Max-Claw AI
AI Tutor · SA
Max Claw mascot
Max-Claw AI
AI Tutor · SA
About Max Claw

A whole-child AI tutor.
Built for every South African learner.

Max Claw is an inclusive AI learning hub for Grade R–7 — covering CAPS, IEB, and IMPAQ, plus Differentiated CAPS for learners with intellectual disabilities. It guides instead of giving answers, adapts to neurodivergent and physically disabled learners, and looks after the emotional health of the whole family.

Guided discovery
Scaffolded hints and Socratic questions instead of straight answers — so learners build real understanding.
Accessibility first
Speech-to-text, text-to-speech, dyslexia-friendly fonts, AAC symbol support, and sensory-calm modes.
Family wellbeing
SADAG-aligned depression and burnout tools — for the child AND the parent doing the heavy lifting.
What's under the hood

The technology that powers your child's tutor

We combine top-tier AI models with Model Context Protocol (MCP) connectors and the official South African curricula — so Max is always teaching at the right standard.

🧠
AI Model
Qwen / Kimi via Alibaba Cloud
Powerful multilingual reasoning that handles English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho and Setswana.
✨
AI Model
Lovable AI Gateway
Fallback access to Gemini & GPT-class models for advanced reasoning, image, and voice tasks.
📁
Connector
Google MCP (Classroom & Drive)
Optional sync to Google Classroom rosters and Drive folders so Max sees the actual schoolwork.
🔍
Connector
SerpApi MCP (Live Web Search)
Pulls up-to-date research on assistive tech, curriculum changes, and rare conditions.
🎙️
Connector
Speech-to-Text & Text-to-Speech
For learners who can't type yet, read slowly, or have visual / motor impairments.
📘
Knowledge Base
CAPS · IEB · IMPAQ · D-CAPS
All four official South African curricula encoded so Max teaches at the right standard and pace.
🧩
Knowledge Base
DBE SIAS Policy
Screening, Identification, Assessment & Support framework for learners with barriers.
💚
Knowledge Base
WHO mhGAP + SADAG resources
Mental-health framework that powers the depression-management module for the whole family.
🛡️
Safety
POPIA + COPPA Compliance
Children's data is never sold, never used to train external models, and stays inside SA law.
🔒
Safety
Content & Safeguarding Filters
Strict topic guardrails — Max never gives medical, legal, or political advice and gently routes safety concerns to a trusted adult.
A to Z

26 tutoring skills, each with its own knowledge base

Every Max reply is shaped by an evidence-based framework — from Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development to Csikszentmihalyi's Flow Theory.

A
Adaptive Scaffolding
Dynamically adjusts hint depth based on the learner's responses.
KB: Bloom's Taxonomy + Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
B
Behavioural Nudging
Sends growth-mindset prompts when frustration is detected.
KB: Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset Framework
C
Curriculum Mapping
Aligns every reply to official South African standards.
KB: CAPS, IEB, IMPAQ + Differentiated CAPS (D-CAPS)
D
Diagnostic Assessment
Finds the 'missing brick' in foundational knowledge.
KB: Formative Assessment Rubrics + Common Misconception Logs
E
Emotional Intelligence
Detects frustration, boredom, or sadness in chat tone.
KB: SEL standards + Sentiment Analysis models
F
Feynman Explainer
Re-explains Grade 7 concepts in Grade 3 language.
KB: Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
G
Gamification Engine
Progress bars and badges for 'how to learn' milestones.
KB: Octalysis Game Mechanics Framework
H
Healthy Study Habits
Suggests Pomodoro breaks, hydration, and sleep tips.
KB: Cognitive Load Theory + Pediatric Health guidelines
I
Inquiry-Based Learning
Asks 'why?' before giving facts.
KB: The Socratic Method
J
Jargon Translation
Decodes big words for young learners.
KB: Child-Friendly Glossaries (R–7 vocabulary lists)
K
Knowledge Tracing
Tracks mastery of each topic over months.
KB: Bayesian Knowledge Tracing (BKT)
L
Literacy Support
Reads passages aloud for the Foundation Phase.
KB: Phonemic Awareness + Synthetic Phonics
M
Metacognition Training
'How did you solve this?' reflection prompts.
KB: Flavell's Metacognitive Model
N
Numeracy Foundation
Concrete → Pictorial → Abstract maths.
KB: CPA Approach (Singapore Maths)
O
Organisational Skills
Teaches digital planners and study maps.
KB: Executive Functioning coaching guides
P
Parent/Teacher Reporting
Plain-English insights, not raw scores.
KB: Standardised Reporting + Progress Dashboards
Q
Quiz Generation
Low-stakes retrieval quizzes on demand.
KB: Retrieval Practice + Spaced Repetition
R
Remediation Loops
Pivots to a prerequisite when a step fails.
KB: Prerequisite Knowledge Graphs
S
Safety & Safeguarding
Filters content and protects personal info.
KB: POPIA (SA) + COPPA + Online Safety Guidelines
T
Task Decomposition
Breaks projects into 3–5 micro-steps.
KB: Executive Functioning Strategies
U
Universal Accessibility
Voice-to-text, high-contrast, dyslexia fonts.
KB: WCAG 2.1 Accessibility Guidelines
V
Vocabulary Expansion
One new 'power word' per session.
KB: Tiered Vocabulary Lists (Tier 1, 2, 3)
W
Workload Balancing
Caps Grade R sessions at 15–20 minutes.
KB: Developmental Milestones (Attention Span research)
X
X-Factor Engagement
Uses the child's name, interests, and past wins.
KB: Long-term User Profile + Memory Bank
Y
You-Can-Do-It Feedback
'Not yet — try this' instead of 'wrong'.
KB: Constructive Feedback Frameworks
Z
Zone Management
Keeps tasks challenging but never quitting-hard.
KB: Csikszentmihalyi's Flow Theory
Universal Design for Learning

Special needs & disabilities — built in, not bolted on

For learners with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, intellectual disabilities, hearing or visual impairments, and physical disabilities. Aligned with the DBE SIAS policy and Differentiated CAPS (D-CAPS).

🗣️
Augmentative Communication (AAC)
Picture symbols, switches, and speech-generating devices for non-verbal learners.
🧘
Sensory Regulation
Adjust the environment so the brain can focus on learning, not surviving.
📚
Differentiated CAPS (D-CAPS)
Functional literacy and numeracy aligned to the official D-CAPS curriculum.
Family wellbeing

Depression management for every age

Education can't happen without emotional stability. Our wellbeing module supports both the child and the parent — aligned with WHO mhGAP and SADAG guidelines.

Child (Grade R–7)
Detection

Monitors digital fatigue and engagement-pattern dips that may signal withdrawal.

Framework: WHO mhGAP pediatric guidelines

Child (Grade R–7)
Regulation

Guided mindfulness and grounding ('Five Senses') exercises pitched per age.

Framework: CBT + Psychological First Aid

Child (Grade R–7)
Daily Routine

Dopamine-friendly schedule of small, achievable wins.

Framework: Behavioural Activation

Parent / Caregiver
Pulse Check

Weekly 'Parental Pulse' to screen for caregiver burnout.

Framework: PHQ-2 self-screening

Parent / Caregiver
Stress Reduction

Self-compassion prompts and brief breathing protocols.

Framework: SADAG resources

Parent / Caregiver
Crisis Plan

Household crisis-management template + direct hotline links.

Framework: SADAG referral pathways

This module is for support and guidance only. It is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you or your child are in crisis, please use the hotlines below.

South African crisis & support hotlines

Mental health emergencies (24-hour)

Suicide Crisis Helpline
0800 567 567
24-hour emergency support (SADAG)
SADAG Mental Health Line
011 234 4837
Referrals and counselling
Cipla Mental Health Line
0800 456 789
24-hour mental health support
LifeLine South Africa
0861 322 322
24-hour emotional first aid
SAPS Crime Stop
08600 10111
Emergency police assistance

Children & ADHD

ChildLine South Africa
116 (toll-free) · 0800 055 555
Crisis support for children
ADHD Helpline
0800 55 44 33
Specialised support for ADHD

Special needs & disability networks

Autism South Africa (ASA)
autismsouthafrica.org
Nationwide autism family support
Down Syndrome South Africa
0861 369 672
Parent-led training and advice
Shonaquip Parent Network
071 371 9103 (WhatsApp)
Mobility & physical disability tips
Sunshine Association
sunshine.org.za
Early intervention for intellectual & developmental disabilities
Sabrina Love Foundation
sabrinalove.co.za
Inclusive education + therapy in mainstream schools
Epilepsy South Africa
021 556 3753
Specialised services for epilepsy
The advantage

Why parents enroll their child

  • A warm AI that recognises when your child needs a break, not another question.
  • Speech recognition and visual aids that empower learners with disabilities to study with dignity.
  • Personalised mastery tracking so lessons are never too easy or too frustrating.
  • Mental-health support for the parent too — because your wellbeing matters.
  • Direct links to a 'village' of SA support: SADAG, Childline, Autism SA, Shonaquip and more.

Ready to give your child a brighter start?

Join the waiting list and we'll guide you through onboarding when your spot opens — including the parent cheat sheet and welcome script.