Book Review

The Little Man In The Space Case by Aamena Khota.

I was born when Apartheid was nearing its end. I had not witnessed the wrong doings during Apartheid times because I was very small to understand what was happening. I only know South Africa as a democratic country. Thus, reading this book not only educates Joyce and Mariam, the two young girls who just found out about apartheid, but also others.

When reading the book one can imagine the story actually taking place. The setting of the story is relative to reality. It is the perfect setting for children's book. Joyce is eager to inform her friend Mariam, what she had discovered about our country's past. She learned about apartheid and how cruel it was. How it destroyed people's lives. She told Mariam about what had happened, how apartheid became weak and finally ended. Now we are a democratic country.

I found the book to be really interesting and exciting. I think that children will definitely enjoy it. I was really pleased with the writing style. Aamena wrote the book based on facts but at the same time made it mysterious and exciting for the young ones and easy for them to understand.

This is a very good book for children. For all the parents who wish to educate their children on apartheid, make them read the book.

Film Study

Film study was not for me a first time, however it was an improvement. My introduction to film study was with the animated movie Aladdin. At the time I learned about the different angles and camera shots. Also the colours in the movie played an extreamly important part especially because the movie was animated. The study of the movie was an excellent foundation to film study.
Kingdom of Heaven was very much different to Aladdin in the sense that it was more of a non-fiction movie whereas Aladdin was based on a fairytale. Both movies were based on an event or book and in that respect were similar. Kingdom of Heaven was a serious movie based on true history and therefore more fruitful and informative. Aladdin on the other hand was purly entertainment. The movie Kingdom of Heaven was aslo more realistic. The music, setting, use of colour, props used and costumed were excellent. The shots and angles created the effects perfectly. The movie itself kept you glued. In terms of acting, the characters played their roles exceptionally well. The role of Bailian was played very well aswell as the role of Salahuddin.
Film study this term forced me to read and go beyond my little brain. I also look at movies differently and more critically and sceptically. Film study is a wonderful part of English which I hope to do again.

Preparing to teach a lesson.

The task of having to prepare a poetry lesson and teach it to another class is slightly scarey. The pressure, uneasiness and unfamiliarity are obstacles we need to overcome. However, our class together with Mr Sujee are learning how to conduct the lesson and will hopefully succeed. The task itself seems some how exciting.

Evaluation of Term3

Term three was a short term with the most amount of work covered. The study of Cry the Beloved Country was extensive but at the same time enjoyable. The plays and visits to the Shanty towns were an incredible experience. Our moral values were greatly improved. The most enjoyable aspect in the term, was for me, poetry study. The way we conducted learning the poems and how we related them to society was amazing. I also loved the dynamics used, sound and voice recordings. The troubles I had in the term were related to time management. Hopefully I will improve in that aspect. Overall the term went well although my stress levels increased.