Bee challenges young spellers
Library event helps kids learn new concepts
The Lethbridge Public Library challenged young minds from around the city on their skill to properly spell words at its annual spelling mini-bee. On Saturday afternoon, children in Grades 1 though 3 went in front of a panel of judges and an audience to test their knowledge on tricky spelling, but to also help develop valuable educational and life skills.
“It was about eight years ago, it used to be with Can Spell which went to a provincial level. That has ceased but there was still interest with kids joining and wanting to do it so we just kept it going,” says Jenny Cofell, librarian, Children's Services.
“It is not that they have to win to go onto provincials or nationals but they can just challenge themselves here in Lethbridge.”
The spelling bee helps assist children in learning new concepts, improving comprehension and developing early studying skills. In September, the children who are registered are able to download a study guide from the library to help them master the skill of spelling.
“We do a list of Grade 1 words all the way up to grade nine,” says Cofell. “For the minibees we have two study sessions, so they can practice words and get used to the space so they can gain confidence and speak clearly and knowing what the judges need from them.”
The benefits of spelling bees go further than just language as students are also able to develop communication, self-confidenece and public speaking skills, as well as the ability to persevere through public pressure.
Last year’s spelling bee winner was eightyear-old Abinash Chowdhury, who has been competing in the last three competitions. In his first spelling bee, Chowdhury lost out to the word “opportunity,” but found the opportunity to work harder to claim the first place trophy.
“My mom heard about it in Grade 1, and then I started practising for the first spelling bee, and then at that time I got fourth place, and then I went and practiced for a few months at that time,” says Chowdhury. “When I came in for the spelling bee in Grade 2, I only had two or three weeks to practise and somehow I won it and the word was ‘calculator.’ I always get nervous at first, but when I start and get into it, it is more fun to do.”
The winner of each spelling bee receives a trophy and a variety of prizes that the library has offered including gift bags, candy and books to take home.
This year’s winner of the bee was Sabri Mahmoud, who worked his way through 30 other kids and won with the Grade 5 word “excellent” and was presented with his trophy from The Engravers by Mayor Chris Spearman.
The Lethbridge Public Library has another spelling bee on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. for children in Grades 4 through 6. For more information on how to register your child in the bee, visit lethlib.ca.