A teacher at Parkfields Primary School in Hanover Park ran a reading competition to improve literacy levels among pupils.
Eric van der Byl, an Afrikaans teacher, organised the reading and spelling competition for the Afrikaans Grade 7 classes to promote Afrikaans reading among pupils as their literacy levels were low.
The pupils had to read and study two Afrikaans set-works provided by the school. They then had to answer multiple-choice questions about the books and read a text provided.
Four pupils, Aatira Strachan, Lyra September, Ruzayd Bennett, and Amina Sias, were crowned as as the winners and each received a book by Troula Goosen, a gold medal, and a stationery pack from Hanover Park library.
“The main aim of the Afrikaans-reading competition is to promote positive vibes and increase literacy levels. Pupils must write down how many books they read and summaries thereof,” Mr Van der Byl said.
Provincial Afrikaans curriculum advisor Wayne Smit said reading enhanced children’s creative ability and confidence levels.
“Reading is a game changer. If we cannot read we get frustrated and that is when we mostly see disruptive behaviour by learners. To foster the love for reading is a key that opens a door to a bright future,” he said.
Aatira’s mom, Shameema Strachan, said she was very proud of her daughter.
“She found the competition very easy and she loves reading. She reads the books she gets from the school and the books she won now. The competition is so good for pupils,” she said.