Spell Bowl

Way back in September, Daisy was invited to participate in Spell Bowl. 15 5th & 6th graders in her school were sent invitations. These kids then attended practices after school until this week. They studied the official word list provided and took tests throughout the trimester to gauge progress. Then, last week--they took a final test and only the top 8 scorers made the team. Daisy did make the team! One more test this week enabled them to challenge each other for those spots on the team. Daisy missed Monday (due to the family trip) when they took the challenge test. She took it when she got back on Tuesday and reclaimed her spot on the team!

Tonight was the competition. Spell Bowl is run differently than a spelling BEE. Spell Bowl is made up of 8 rounds with 7 words in each round. Each team sends one contestant up for each round. The contestant sits at a desk with a sponsor (neutral representative of Spell Bowl) beside them. The words are provided verbally (one at a time) and in a sentence. The contestant then has 20 seconds to WRITE the spelling word on their form. When time is up, the word is presented on a huge white screen and the sponsor then checks the contestant's spelling of the word. At the end of the round (7 words) the score is relayed to scorekeepers assigned to each school's flip chart.

Her school won first place (Gold Medal)! They have to wait to find out if they qualify for State Competition. Statewide, the top 10 in each class will qualify.

And, I should have taken my good camera--I could have taken nonflash pictures during the competition and could have gotten a team photo without all the red eyes! Oh well.