T-H-R-I-L-L-I-N-G, thrilling that's how we felt on the Gran Finale! What started with a conversation with a student soon became our 1st Galloway Spelling Bee contest. We were doing our regular spelling work, and I mentioned how there was this national contest. My students were surprised, so we watched last year's finale. They loved it and asked if we could do one. I asked my grade level team, and then the 3rd and 5th if they would join, and they were all on board.
We selected a list of 50 words per grade level and decided to have 3 rounds and PTA-approved prizes for the winners. Students received the lists before Christmas Break, then we had a written round in each classroom, then we had the 2nd round with guest judges to select 3 finalists. For our grand finale, I invited judges from across the district, and we found our Champions.
I honestly didn't expect the kids to get so into it, but they did. Students were very invested, they practiced and prepared. Even students discovered they have a natural ability, and that gave them a sense of pride.
The process was also full of emotions, a few students were frustrated when they lost. Yes, some tears were shed. But it gave us the opportunity to talk about how to face those moments when even when you worked very hard, you don't achieve your goal. It was a lesson on resilience, celebrating the effort, and getting ready for the next time. It was our First Spelling Bee, but certainly it won't be our last.