Bonding over spell bee

Jyotsna Dayal

 

It’s spell bee time once again! Kids from various city schools have converged on Mount Carmel School, Sector 47, to take part in the MaRRS Spelling Bee Competition. There’s excitement in the air as much as there are expectations.

Part of its appeal also lies in the camaraderie the little ones share over discussing phonemic awareness, jumbled words, vocabulary and innumerable other topics – it’s inimitable! Though the spirit of competition is in abundance, the bonhomie among participants surpasses everything.

Exuberant students are busy doing a quick, last-minute revision. Some are walking alone in a corner brushing up the memories of all they have learnt so far. Others are looking into their books as if they are going to mug up the entire thing in the last 15 minutes.

While a few parents are busy exchanging phone numbers so that their wards can prepare together for the next round, the dedicated learners are in no mood to let go of even a single minute. A young face while giving quick tips to a fellow student quips: “If your pants are too loose, you may lose it.” What a witty way to tackle the pesky homophone! Why not? They have been trained with the rigour of athletes, dedicating hours each day to the study of language, its origin, usages... 

Heeya, a Class IV student, is all smiles as she has prepared well. “It has made me aware of my potential and at the same time improved my language skills. I feel more confident. Moreover, I made so many like-minded friends,” beams the little girl. 

“Though you cannot perceive any drastic change the moment you enrol your child for such contests, with time I have noticed she tries to apply her vocabulary in her day-to-day speech,” says her mother Shruti Bedi.

These competitions emphasise on creating a community of learners. Many children even cultivate a life-long bonding,” she opines, adding that her son met one of his best friends during one such competition. Simmi Thakar, coordinator, MaRRS International Spelling Bee Contest, says: “These competitions are not just about spellings. Apart from improving language and communication skills, it widens their horizon and boosts their confidence. 

Students learn the spirit of healthy competition with an urge to excel, she adds.