Spelling counts - at work, in your social life, in the community
By GEOFF DALE
WOODSTOCK, Ontario - Defined in the simplest terms, a spelling bee is a competition in which individuals are asked how to spell a variety of words.
Yet to the people who organized and participated in a recent event at Blossom Park Educational Centre in Woodstock, Ontario, it was considerably more.
Ron VanMarrum was at the spelling bee to cheer on his sister Tina Schettler, centre, who participated in the challenge. Literacy instructor Dianne Ward, right, chats with them before the spelling bee got underway, at the Blossom Park Educational Centre in Woodstock, Ontario.
“It was fun for everyone who took part,” said Dianne Ward, a literacy instructor for The Gateway to Learning program with the Thames Valley District School Board. “They left with a few more words they didn’t know how to spell than when they arrived and had the chance to meet with others and even share a few laughs.”
One of the invited contestants, Woodstock Mayor Pat Sobeski, got the opportunity to chuckle with others over his spelling of one particular word – spunky. The good-natured municipal leader admitted that while he wasn’t a great speller, he nonetheless enjoyed the chance to test his skills and watch others in action.
First-time participant Tina Schettler was eager to tackle her assigned words that dealt with one of her favourite subjects – mythology. She was accompanied by her brother and biggest cheerleader, Ron VanMarrum.
“I’m excited, nervous and a pretty good speller,” she said. “I can’t wait to get up there and show everyone what I can do.”
Dianne said most of the students she teaches have learning disabilities; they often struggle with their own lives and sometimes have struggled in school. “I believe some students learn differently so I teach differently.
“I ask my students, ‘does spelling count?’ I tell them ‘in real life spelling counts.’ At work, in your social life, in the community – anything you write represents you. Preparing for our spelling bee takes months of practice for the students. We learn all the rules and why our dictionaries can help us improve our spelling.”
The sixth annual event attracted more than 50 competitors including the mayor, teachers, social workers and even a chef. Brad Janssen handled the emcee chores, with each participant asked to spell three words to move on to the finals.
“I was overwhelmed by the turnout,” Dianne said. “We usually get a few new students signing up after our big events but this particular event brings the students and teachers closer. We all have something to talk about.
“Everyone is a winner as we all go home knowing a few new words to spell. The spelling bee helps our literacy students build self-esteem and confidence. Spelling well is a skill that brings wonderful rewards.”
Contact:
Dianne Ward, literacy instructor
Gateway to Learning Program
Woodstock, Ontario
Tel: 519-537-0109
Email: woodstockgolfer@yahoo.ca
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