This is an exciting tradition that has been going on since 2009. It was originally hosted by DEED (Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams), and while that group has dissolved, the PTO has continued their most popular activities. One thing that makes the Lucas Team Spelling Bee unusual is the team format. Mary Kenyon, a Lucas parent and the organizer of the spelling bee, describes it:
"For many people, the term 'spelling bee' conjures horrible mental images (flashbacks?) of the nerve-wracking anticipation of speaking in front of the whole class or school and the fear of humiliation at getting the word wrong. Our team approach eliminates the fear and puts the spotlights on what kids know, rather than what they get wrong. Working together, teams of two or three students have about 20 seconds to decide how the word should be spelled and then write it on a white board. When time is called, the teams hold up their boards and our volunteer judges make note of which teams got the correct spelling. This is done quietly at the judges' table--no announcement is made and often the kids don't know who spelled the word right or wrong. They all just move on to the next word. At the end of the 20 minute round, the judges tally the total number of correct words for each team and the top teams advance to the second round. This time, the teams can still confer and decide together what the correct spelling is. Then one member of the team stands and spells the word out loud. Again, the judges quietly tally the total number of correct words for each team. At the end of the oral round, the team with the most correct words is declared the winner."
Students have the opportunity to study a large list of words ahead of time, and the organizers choose a random set of words from the lists. Miles Crall, a fourth grader, has been participating in the spelling bee since he was in first grade. He says the hardest word he's come across in his preparation has been monotonous. An adult volunteer, usually a teacher, reads the words for the teams to spell. Mary remembers laughter erupting in last year's first and second grade bee when Mr. Turnquist announced that they should spell underwear.
Mary offers this advice for students who take on the Lucas Team Spelling Bee challenge. "It is helpful to review the word lists and take note especially of the homophone pairs. Then remember to listen carefully when the word reader uses the word in a sentence so you know which word is called for. I've seen plenty of kids get 'thrown' by the word throne! Most importantly, just have fun with your friends and put forth your best effort."
Miles appreciates the supportive, low-stress environment. He suggests that students participate even if they're feeling nervous. "You have nothing to lose if you lose," he says.
Though there's not much time left to study, students can still register for the spelling bee. The online registration form, as well as the word lists and official rules, are available at http://themightyhawkmessenger.blogspot.com/2018/02/2018-team-spelling-bee.html.
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