Last Wednesday at Christel Hose
Library was the Grade 7 reading competition. Students selected a language-
Xhosa, Afrikaans, or English- and read a passage in front of a panel of judges.
Then they were asked 3 spelling questions and 3 comprehension questions. This
competition was in preparation for the Landsdowne Public Library competition in
about a month. Other schools in the area will be sending their best and
brightest to compete as well, so the Christel House students need to be
extra-prepared. The last 2 years Christel House learners have won 1st place in
the Xhosa division, because most schools do not teach the language and
therefore do not typically send any students to compete in the
division. The top 4 students in each category will be taken to the
Landsdowne competition next month. The top 3 received prize bags that Janina
and I lovingly decorated!
I was asked to be a judge for the
English reading competition, the category most students signed up for. I graded
them on their reading ability, flow, performance, and ability to answer the
follow-up questions correctly. The other judges were Janina, the other intern;
Ma Bass, a volunteer; and Bonni, a Christel House teacher. The students had to
read a page-long passage and it was quite tough. It had many different
characters involved and some words that were new and difficult - things like
'gurney' and 'tachycardic' (I thought that one might have been a bit tough for
even me).
On a different note, I have been
realizing that Christel House is not only teaching its students something new
everyday, but me as well. It has begun to change my attitude and demeanor in
the best of ways. Everyone is so warm and friendly at Christel House, both the
students and the staff. You cannot walk anywhere without being said hello to,
given a smile, or receiving a hug. Back at home, things are a bit different.
Most people will not say hello to you if you do not know them. But the thing
is, if you say hello to a stranger everyday, they slowly become not a stranger,
but an acquaintance and then a friend. You look forward to passing them on the
stairs or seeing them on your way to lunch. I have always been a shy person,
not so likely to go out of my way to say hello to anyone who passes by, but
Christel House is changing me. When I arrive in the morning, I greet everyone
in the morning with a wave, a smile, and a "Hello!" even if I don't
know their name.
I am trying (very hard) to remember
as many names as I can, and become friendly with lots of students and teachers.
I give out countless hugs and high-fives every day. The kids are so happy when
you make a point to just smile and wave at them, individually, when they file
into class. Normally when I do that, they all rush over to me and hug me as
well. I even received my first piece of artwork from a student today! It's a
simple cute drawing of hearts and it reads "Love you." I love it! I
hope to have a small collection of notes from students by the time I leave!
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