Curro Midrand Halfway Gardens learners explore the world of books

The learners embraced the spirit of World Book Day, dressing up as their favourite superheroes and bringing stories to life.

April 6, 2025

Tokelo Mariri 2 minutes read

Saskia Dauvellier, Gene van Zyl, Jevisha Maharaj, Liesl Mostert, and Lauren Munro join in on the fun as their favourite characters.

As South Africa confronts its literacy crisis, the role of reading in children’s lives has never been more crucial.

By fostering a culture of reading and ensuring access to quality reading materials, the next generation can be empowered to overcome challenges and thrive in an increasingly complex world. It is a collective responsibility – parents, educators, and communities must unite to ensure that every child can read, learn, and succeed.

The learners on March 7 at Curro Midrand Halfway Gardens embraced the spirit of World Book Day. The day was filled with excitement and creativity, with learners dressing up as their favourite superheroes and bringing stories to life.

Traeden Chockalingam, Luvuyo Ndlovu, Saivan Govender, and Ntokozo Khumalo pose with their favourite book

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Grade 4 English teacher Lauren Munro said, “Reading is a foundational skill that shapes a child’s cognitive development, emotional intelligence, and academic success. It fosters critical thinking, enhances vocabulary, and improves comprehension skills. Engaging with texts allows children to explore new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, contributing to their emotional and social growth.”

She added children who read regularly were more likely to excel in subjects such as mathematics and science, as reading skills were crucial for understanding complex problems and instructions.

Laura van Lelyveld and Skyla Peel dress as their favourite superheros during the event.

The learners were tasked with a brick painting challenge in which each class painted a brick inspired by a chosen book. This hands-on activity encouraged learners to engage with reading uniquely and artistically. The school eagerly awaits the announcement of the winning class, whose masterpiece will earn them an exciting prize at the next assembly.

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Adding to the reading excitement, learners also took part in a book swap, exchanging stories with their peers.

“While today was about fun and creativity, it also highlighted a crucial issue, literacy in South Africa. A report from the 2030 Reading Panel has revealed that about 80% of Grade 3 learners in South Africa are unable to read for meaning, underscoring a critical literacy crisis in the country.

“At Curro Midrand Halfway Gardens, we are committed to making a difference by fostering a strong reading culture, engaging learners with books, and equipping them with the skills they need to thrive academically and beyond.”

The school has started a ‘parent in action’ initiative where parents will have the opportunity to explore practical ways to support their children’s reading journey at home, reinforcing the collaborative effort between school and home in building confident readers of tomorrow.