Speech Contest

Good news everyone!  One of my students won an English speaking contest!  YAY!!  The students had to memorise a short story (in two weeks) and present it at a competition.  One of my school had 2 year 8 students enter it.  I didn't get to help my students as much as I wanted (I was at the other school while they were preparing), but I was able to record myself reading it.  Their English teacher is fantastic and helped them lots!  

The competition was on Saturday at a local high school.  I was fortunate to have my teacher take me instead of having to figure out a map to find the place!    

Both the girls did a fantastic job!  They both worked really hard - they memorised it, thought of some actions and spoke well in front of everyone.  They were the only year 8 students there - everyone else was in year 9!  I was surprisingly proud even before we found out our student had won!  No-one told me how great it feels when your student does a really good job.  I'm sure I wouldn't have felt that good if I had won it! 

They were judged on: how well they memorised it, their pronunciation and delivery.  I noticed that the student who won also had a very natural rhythm (actually sounded a bit like me, guess she really did listen to the recording I made).     

The trophy, which is quite large, seems to be kept at the school.  I also gave them an Australia pen each (thanks Mum and Dad).  

There are a few of these contests around, and it was nice that I didn't have to judge this one.  

The students were able to choose a story out of 5 options.  This is the reading they girl who won chose to memorise:  

The Fox and the Stork

At one time the Fox and the Stork were on visiting terms and seemed very good friends. So the Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and for a joke put nothing before her but some soup in a very shallow dish. This the Fox could easily lap up, but the Stork could only wet the end of her long bill in it, and left the meal hungry as when she began.

“I am sorry,” said the Fox, “the soup is not to your liking.”

“Pray do not apologize,” said the stork. “I hope you will return this visit, and come and dine with me soon.”

So a day was appointed when the Fox should visit the Stork; but when they were seated at the table all that was for their dinner was contained in a very long-necked jar with a narrow mouth, in which the fox could not insert his snout, so all he could manage to do was to lick the outside of the jar.

“I will not apologize for dinner,” said the Stork.....

One bad turn deserves another.