Barisal’s Gournadi Upazila Education Office has come up with the idea of organizing a fun competition for children to eliminate their fear of using the English language.
Eighty grade III to V students, from 16 schools, took part in the "An Interesting Game in English" competition, on Thursday.
It was organized under the Innovation Idea Program of the Department of Primary Education at Shaheed Babu Shukanta Auditorium in the Upazila Parishad. The event was chaired by Upazila Executive Officer Khaleda Nasrin. Md Arif Billah, assistant director, primary education, Barisal division, was the chief guest.
Sixteen teams, each with five members, participated in the competition.
In the first round, each team was given 30 English words to define in writing. Four groups moved on to the next round.
In the second round, the teams had to write the meanings of 10 words each—and form sentences with them. The two winning teams advanced to the last round.
In the final round, each student had to pick two words from a box. They had to determine the meaning of the words and form sentences with them before reading them out.
In the competition, Mahilara Govt Primary School emerged as the champion, with Diyashur Govt Primary School in second place. Third place went to Ashokathi Govt Primary School.
Champion team member, grade V student Abid Hasan Ratul, told the Dhaka Tribune that he was reluctant to take part in the competition. “I was afraid as it is an English language competition— but becoming the champion has eliminated that fear. I hope I can participate again in the next edition,” he said.
Grade V student, and member of the second-place team, Sumaiya Akter Sukhi, said they were inspired by their teacher to participate. “I love this game. It has helped me increased my English knowledge,” she added.
The event was brainchild of Upazila Assistant Education Officer Palash Sardar. “I planned this type of competition to eradicate the fear of English language in students,” he said.
“Most of the students, particularly in the rural areas, are afraid of English. These children do not enjoy the same facilities like those in the urban areas. They think learning English is too hard for them,” Sardar said.
“I arranged this competition so that the children can overcome their fear and learn easily while having fun,” he said. “I wish to arrange this sort of competition nationwide – like the math festival – to help the students.”
