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The Grade 2 learner, who spends hours reading, clinched first prize in the provincial and national SA Literacy Association’s annual reading competition in the category of English First Language Grade 2.
Reading for the elderly and sharing her passion with learners in Lotus River is what Cassidy Hendricks (8) would describe as fun.
The Grade 2 learner, who spends hours reading, clinched first prize in the provincial and national SA Literacy Association’s annual reading competition in the category of English First Language Grade 2.
The avid reader, who was the only primary school learner to compete from the Western Cape, competed against learners from other provinces.
Her grandmother Brenda Tommy says they are very pleased with the result that was released in October.
“In the semi-finals, held in August, Cassidy had to read a passage from a book for two minutes and they preferred candidates to know the words by heart.”
Wanting to take Cassidy’s reading to the next level, Tommy approached a local author for guidance.
“We consulted with a author in Fish Hoek to get some input on whether she was reading at the right pace and inclination and the author found that Cassidy was reading too fast.”
Preparing for the nationals, the 8-year-old practiced daily up to five times a day.
“She practiced four to five times a day and we recorded many videos and then she would redo it each time.
“The final one we sent for the competition.”
For the final Cassidy was required to read from the “Fantastic Mr Fox” by Road Dahl.
“Cassidy has been reading since she was two years old and she loves learning new words.
“She is such an over-achiever and I feel she puts herself under pressure.”
Chatting to the primary school learner, Cassidy tells the People’s Post that she enjoyed participating in the competition although she felt nervous at times.
“I felt like I wanted to laugh and my grandma said that it was a sign of nervousness.
“I think I would like to write a book,” she says when questioned on what she is focusing on next in her literacy journey.
