IF your kids are struggling to learn languages, why not try debating and spelling bees?
These activities not only boost meta-language skills (the parts of the brain that control and operate all languages) but also develop critical thinking and reasoning ability.
Pupils from Emshukantambo High School took part in debate, public speaking and spelling bee contests against lecturers from University of Joburg Soweto Campus and Mahlobo Secondary School pupils in preparations for the national debating event held in the Western Cape later this month.
The debate topics
- Ritual slaughter should be regarded as animal cruelty.
- African languages should be used as a medium of instruction in schools.
- Does the government provide equal opportunities for the high and low class?
The Emshukantambo pupils were required to oppose these topics – and they did extremely well.
Pule Hlahane, the English teacher at Emshukantambo, said the event will be held at the National Library in George, in the first week of October. About 50 Mzansi schools are sending teams.
“Debates are held in all 11 official South African languages, but we will keep to English, South Sotho and IsiZulu.
Hlahane said the pupils had performed excellently. They rose to the occasion and hopefully will do well in the upcoming debate competition.
The teacher said the biggest battle was finding sponsors for their trip to George.
“We need about R20 000 to cover transport and lunch for five days. George will supply accommodation, breakfast and dinner.”
Zanele Mamabolo, Phila Dhlamini and Sibongile Zwane spoke about the event.
“We are going there to compete and not make up numbers,” said Phila.
Zanele said: “The competitions help us improve our vocabulary.”
Sibongile said: “We are proud to be chosen to represent our school.”
