Alma Mater learners about why reading is fun
Alma Mater Gr 4 learners about their love for reading.
The Krugersdorp News visited Alma Mater International School to find out if reading is indeed something the learners enjoy.
This is after the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study released its 2021 results which revealed that 81% of South Africa’s Grade Four children could not read for meaning in any language.
Grade Four English teacher at the school, Sandra Siebert already shared her views on what she thinks caused this illiteracy problem among the Grade Fours. She says most of them are learners who were in Grade One during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, therefore she believes the pandemic is the greatest contributor to this illiteracy problem.
Sandra says learners did not have the opportunity to experience a structured framework that would have allowed for learning to take place.
Learners also had a chance to express their views as they shared with the News the kinds of books they like to read and why.
• Pranav Vala said, “I like books that are based on true stories. I’ve been reading the book called The War Horse. It’s a book about World War I and the reason why I like it is that it is about friendship and it is based on a true story.”
• Munachiso Ngene said, “My favourite book is Dork Diaries because it has helped me to express my inner dork, stand out, and be more confident.”
• Zowi Mengistu in her turn said, “I mostly like books with action and drama because I see myself as a drama queen.”
• Jessica Caldeira said, “My favourite book to read is Diary of A Wimpy Kid because I like the way he writes. I normally stop reading other books halfway through but with this book, I just can’t help but continue reading it.”
• Keamogetswe Galekhutle, also a chocolate lover, said, “I love reading Charlie And The Chocolate Factory because my favourite treat is chocolate.”
• Bohlale Moremoholo concluded,” I love fictional books and The Land of Stories is my favourite because it is a series of children’s fiction, family adventures, and fantasy. It has a lot of stories of interest to me.”
