Following a two year break, the annual Bookery Quiz returns on Thursday (27 October) and will see seven schools going head-to-head all in the name of fun and reading.
The Bookery is a Woodstock-based organisation that aims to create dynamic school libraries that inspire a love of reading.
On Thursday a group of 10 learners from each school will participate in the quiz, based on six books written by South African authors, and it is structured to take place in six rounds.
In each round the learners will be asked questions from a book and will be given time to discuss the questions and then submit their written answers to the markers after each round.
Rotshidzwa Marole, Literacy Programme Manager at The Bookery, says the goal they inspire is a reading culture in schools.
“Central to this reading culture is ensuring that learners read for pleasure because children are more likely to develop a positive attitude toward reading when they are provided with opportunities to experience the joy and pleasure of reading.”
She says the aim of the competition is so that learners can develop a love for reading in a fun-filled way.
“Through this quiz learners can experience the joy that comes with a reading competition by challenging themselves to read for understanding and putting their knowledge and preparation to the test with the eventuality of prizes in mind. In addition, we want to translate the vision that our libraries are dynamic and enjoyable spaces to a different environment to which our learners can be exposed to.”
Marole says on Thursday learners can look forward to a fun day competing with others, their knowledge and understanding of the books being put to the test, learning the value of teamwork and collaboration as well as making friendships.
The event will take place at Bertha House in Mowbray and will see learners from Arcadia, St Johns, Kewtown, EA Janari, Heatherdale, Litha, Happy Valley and Buck Road primary schools participating.
Learners will be quizzed on a selection of predetermined Xhosa, English and Afrikaans fiction and non-fiction books which they have been reading for the past six months.
Authors include Sindiswa Magona – Greedy Man, Kind Rock; Lebohang Masango – Mpumi and Jabu’s Magical Day; Zukiswa Wanner – Refilwe; Shudufhadzo Musida – Shudu Finds her Magic; O.R. Melling – The signing Stone and Jeremy Daniel – Road to Glory: Cheslin Kolbe.
Marole, says there are also prizes up for grabs.
“Ultimately, we want to encourage learners to challenge themselves and put their best foot forward. They should arrive at the competition with the feeling that they will perform to the best of their ability. The prizes are a big part of the experience.”
She says preparations for the quiz are well underway.
“The participants as well as the library assistants have been hard at work preparing for the quiz, and the fruits of their labour should be recognized. We also view the prizes as an incentive for other schools within our network to enter the annual quiz and have their learners exposed to this fun-filled competition.”
