Joseph had the opportunity recently to participate in a Spelling Bee. It was fun to prepare for, and I must say I am astonished at his spelling aptitude. He can spell extremely well, probably because he reads so well and so profusely. Anyone who loves to read encyclopedias, field guides, and even dictionaries has a jump in spelling. What surprised me from the whole experience of the Bee was to realize how many other skills apart from spelling are utilized and necessary for success. Joseph knew how to spell correctly 99% of the words given the day of the Bee, including the older group's words. But the bee requires you the recite the word, spell slowly, and recite the word again. That requires focusing, patience, and sequencing. If a mistake is made (due to poor concentration) and a wrong letter is given, it cannot be taken back. So that's how Joseph ended up being eliminated in the 5th round on the word "said". He can spell rhododendron, contraption, fortitude, etc. But the words were so simple, and there was so much excitement, and he was having trouble slowing down, so he blurted out a letter in incorrect order. It was a great lesson in humility, and the value of practice. His spelling is usually written, not verbalized, and not on a stage with friends watching. Luckily, Joseph wasn't bothered and this just motivates him to want to have practice bees to improve and to try again next year. For someone who loves to spell, and likes to be quizzed, he was bored to tears watching the other students finish the Bee for the next hour. Well, he is seven years old, I guess that's pretty age appropriate. I learned from this day how much my own spelling can improve, and how helping him will hopefully help Mom too :)
No comments:
Post a Comment