'Spelling is the art of correctly assembling words from their letters'. Communication skills are critical for children to grow and interact successfully with the world. Combining both these essential skills, at the Primary school level, we organise a Spelling Bee contest for our young learners as an annual feature.

 

This year we had two groups, comprising Classes 2 and 3 in Group One and Classes 4 and 5 in Group Two. We first conducted a preliminary round of the Spelling Bee, in which every student from class 2 to class 5 participated. The top scorers from each house made it to the final round of the contest.

 

The Student Council, who coordinated and conducted the event, put together a challenging list of words, keeping in mind the age of the participants. The final contest consisted of multiple rounds, that urged the learners to pause, ponder and pronounce. They were pushed beyond their commonplace vocabulary, having to deal with some low-frequency words. The participants and the audience were seen at the edge of their seats, engrossed in the proceedings, anticipating answers and watching the house points escalate. The students displayed exceptional skill and mastery while spelling some of the advanced words.

 

The House points were as follows:

 

Classes 2 and 3

• 1st Place: Lion House
• 2nd Place: Panther House
• 3rd Place: Jaguar House
• 4th Place: Tiger House

 

Classes 4 and 5

• 1st Place: Tiger House
• 2nd Place: Panther House
• 3rd Place: Lion House
• 4th Place: Jaguar House

 

We are sure that once the vocabulary foundation is laid and a love of reading is embraced, the students will develop the confidence and self-assurance to communicate freely and speak in public.