Empowering literacy: Insights from past winners of the competition

Schools taking part in this year’s Reading and Writing Solution (RWS) Newspaper Quiz and Spelling Bee competition are drawing inspiration from previous winners.

More than 28 schools will compete on Thursday, September 11, at the Dulcie September Athlone Civic Centre for top honours in the RWS competition. The organisation has once again partnered with Athlone News for this year's event.

Candice Saayman, a teacher from Arcadia Primary, believes that greater parental involvement in children’s early literacy learning would lead to significant improvements in literacy across all schools.

Ms Saayman, a teacher at a school that previously won the competition, now supports the event and was part of a group of speakers during this year’s launch.

She praised the organisers for designing the competition to tackle some of the literacy challenges faced by young people in schools. However, she stressed that parents play a crucial role, as they are often the ones who spend the most time with their children.

Ms Saayman said if parents assist their children with reading, it would make teachers’ jobs easier. “It is basically down to the teacher. The teacher has to take the lead. The parents’ involvement is pivotal because they are the mentors when we are not there to prepare the learners for the actual competition. They need to supervise and check the kids’ work, and their presence at the event means a lot for the children,” she said.

Ms Saayman added that the primary purpose of the competition is to provide individualised reading instruction and support to children, helping them build confidence, improve their reading skills, and develop a passion for reading.

Reflecting on her school’s preparation for victory in 2022, she mentioned that she and her colleagues divided the materials among themselves. However, she acknowledged that resources can be a challenge, particularly for schools in disadvantaged areas.

“My advice to the new schools is that it depends entirely on the teachers. You are the forerunners in this, so your energy level needs to be thoroughly prepared every single day. If you want to be prepared, your child has to be prepared. My advice to teachers is to put in 110 percent,” she said.

Ivan Coraizin, a former principal at Parkhurst Primary in Mitchell’s Plain, urged teachers to encourage their children to read more newspapers. The former winner of the RWS stated that a newspaper for pupils could be beneficial in improving reading skills, one line at a time.

He said that consistent reading enhances knowledge and vocabulary, which in turn increases awareness of what children can achieve.

“Curiosity sparks and interest ignites. It fosters a love for learning day and night. Language development and communication skills help them express themselves, and confidence overflows,” he said.

He encouraged teachers to prepare children to participate, not just to compete. Mr Coraizin advised teachers to select child-friendly newspapers or sections with care and to discuss articles and topics to raise children's awareness.

“Encourage critical thinking and ask questions too. Help them evaluate and think things through. Newspapers for kids are a valuable tool that helps them grow and learn in school,” said Mr Coraizin.

With less than a month to go, teachers have no time to relax if they want to win the competition, he added.