The Importance Of Reading
As an English teacher, I am no stranger to reading. I am also no stranger to students trying anything and everything they can to get out of reading. It has become apparent that children nowadays either refuse to read, or they are unaware of just how important reading is.
When I deal with students who are not performing up to standard, I always ask whether that student likes to read. The reason for this is that there is a proven correlation between achievement in English and the enjoyment of reading. This is because reading allows people to see how the language is supposed to be used. It enables one to see how to properly use grammar, how words are supposed to be spelled, how sentences are supposed to be structured, and it allows one to learn brand new words to expand one’s vocabulary.
In addition to reading having academic advantages, it also allows one to be transported into different worlds without even having to leave their couch. It enables the young aspiring adventurer to step into the world of swashbuckling pirates, crime fighting superheroes, or brave soldiers. Reading is an excellent way to broaden the imagination of young dreamers and creatives, as it inspires them to push the boundaries and think outside of the box.
I will forever encourage students to read as much as possible. For the non-reader, I always suggest reading articles or blogs – anything that contains subject matter that is of interest to them. Hate reading, but love soccer? Pick up an autobiography about your favourite soccer player. Can’t stand a novel, but love Science? Grab yourself a National Geographic magazine and read the articles. Reading can be so diverse that even the most stubborn nay-sayers will be tempted to pick something up and read.
In celebration of Book Week, I would like to encourage all our students, staff and parents to pick up a book this week, and immerse yourself in the joys of reading.
Mia Tossel
IGCSE, AS and A Level English Teacher
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In The Mood To Write
In Year 6, the students have been working on their descriptive writing skills as well as their ability to create a specific mood through word choice. They had an assessment where they responded to a photo that allowed them to either create a calm, relaxing mood, or one of fear and tension. Naluthando Mangaliso and Darian Iyer both wrote stunning pieces of contrasting moods. I applaud their talent and look forward to reading more from them in the future.
Yours in writing,
Marisa Esterhuizen
Year 6 Teacher
Tone: Calm and Relaxing
By: Naluthando Mangaliso
By the time I had set up my camp-fire to heat up my freshwater hake, I suddenly glanced up at the fire-orange, majestic sun, taking its decent like a cruising airplane. My eyes were glistening with eternal joy for this was no ordinary sight. This was a momentous view of the blazing cherry-red and apricot-orange infused sky.
The mild scent of the air swam into my nostrils and in the process polishing it like a priceless shoe. The sun-smoothed sand caressed my naked feet with love, and the music of the wind sunk into my ears as if a DJ was in my head.
There was one thing that stood out to me though.
This brunette-brown, young, vibrant tree was dancing with the music as if it was on stage and at the same time, it seemed to be giving me this joyous smile that warmed me to the heart like a mug of cappuccino.
By then the sun had descended and the moon was ascending like a jet, dashing on a runway. My now golden hake was inviting me to eat. It didn’t have to ask twice.
Tone: Fear and Tension
By: Darian Iyer
Read MoreSlowly, I drifted downstream. The icy fog bit deep into my flesh while blood-red flowers glared at my soul. I was almost paralysed by the fact that this once luscious canal could turn into part of hell in less than a day. The convoy would arrive soon.
I rowed…
And rowed…
And rowed…
Beginning to cloud over the river was the fetid scent of decayed fish. I was close. While resting my aching bones, I gnawed on a ripe apple. Although being fresh and pure, the mere aura of the canal had diseased the taste of the fruit. Tasting like a pair of moulded socks, I spat out the vile thing. The cacophony of mutant animals were bullets to my eardrums. Feeling like my life had drained away, I thought of when joy and mirth ruled my life.
The trees waved in frustration, trying to stop me.
But my tenacity persevered.
Without warning, an arrow whizzed past my head, a horizontal bolt of lightning, just grazing my ear. The sentry howled with anger as my life essence dissolved it into a pile of ash. Nearing it, I noticed the dirt start to look almost like scorched flesh.
Oh wait… it was.
I was at the demon convoy…