In 2019, Brackenhurst Primary School kicked off a reading programme called Drop All and Read Campaign.
The programme was inspired by Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, after she introduced the reading campaign in 2015.
In her speech, Motshekga emphasised that through the programme they wanted to make reading fashionable.
At the school, the programme is facilitated by Thandazile Ndlovu, with the help of Charlene D’hotman and Jenny Cannon.
Ndlovu, a teacher at the school, said for each term they will incorporate the programme with more activities which will get learners involved.
“This is to try and curb the issues that we have in South Africa of our children’s reading ability. At the moment, statistically, it’s not looking very good on the number of children who can read and comprehend,” said Ndlovu.
She said the programme is aimed at creating a culture of reading and encouraging children to read more, which will not only stimulate the minds of the learners but will also improve their vocabulary.
“Back in the day when parents had more time, they would read a bed time story for their children, but now everyone is just busy. So we are trying to create that time where children get to read more,” she said.
Grade Three learners and their teachers are given at least 30 to 40 minutes every Friday morning to read their book of choice, while Grade One and Two learners also get to read for 15 minutes on Mondays and Wednesdays.
She said: “This time of the year, the Grade Ones cannot read much, although the teacher reads to them. We sometimes have one Grade Seven learner from each class who would read for the Grade Ones. This is a programme that every school should be doing.”
