Reading for pleasure enriches children’s lives. Those who read for pleasure are more likely to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and career-wise. That is why Naptosa Estcourt Branch hosted a Readathon for all English Home Language Primary Schools in Estcourt, on Wednesday, September 3 at Drakensview Primary School.
Participating Schools were: Estcourt Primary School, Forderville Primary School, Drakensview Primary School, ML Sultan Primary School and St. Gregory Primary School. Learners from grades one to seven were eligible for entry. Each school entered seven of their best readers, which represented the grades.
Readathon encourages children to read for pleasure with its simple but effective reading challenge. Each learner per grade had to read the exact same passage and respond to questions based on what they had read. In this way, reading style, comprehension and understanding were tested. The guest of honour, Mr RB Smith, Senior Education Manager, praised the participants for their efforts and reinforced the value of reading. The adjudicators, Mrs Ruth Green (English Home Language Subject Advisor FET – Retired), Mrs. Linda Roach (Foundation Phase Subject Advisor) and Miss Dalene Henry (Local Librarian) had a difficult time selecting a winner for each grade, as the standard of reading on the day was excellent.
The National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) is committed to the values of quality teaching and learning. As a result, reading is seen as a foundation to effective communication, teaching and learning. Forderville Primary School was the winning school on the day and a very proud Mr A Sookraj took home a floating Naptosa Readathon Shield, Outright Trophy and Certificate.
Naptosa Estcourt executive members would like to thank Drakensview Primary School for allowing the use of their school hall, Mr. Mthungwa for the cash donation towards the meals for the children, Mr Sewlall, Naptosa KZN Office for the donation of library books for book prizes, the adjudicators and guests for giving of their time.
It was wonderful to see all the principals of the above-mentioned schools present at the function to support their learners.
