Edition 2011, #14 - Vocabulary Challenge

Sixth Grade Vocabulary Challenge
By: Brandice W.

When the sixth graders aren’t taking a test, eating lunch, or switching classes, they’re normally doing something in vocabulary. Vocabulary seems to improve a child’s speech. The more they use the word and see the word, the more familiar the word is to them.

We asked Sr. Bruno why every time we walk in the classroom the sixth graders are always doing vocabulary? This is how she responded:

“Vocabulary is very important. Because when you build up your vocabulary, you can improve your speech. If you want to study a specific subject in school, knowing how to spell a word, how to say it, and what it means helps you. Using new vocabulary words helps you express yourself more. You can use different adjectives instead of the general sad, mad, happy, or upset.”
- Sr. Bruno

We asked the sixth graders if they could use five vocabulary words in a sentence correctly. We call it the Challenge:

• Kayla S: "This hypocrite is so disinterested that she will manipulate the serene assailant."
• Kinta J: "Zachary is a martial, jovial, crotchety, pathetic, and gullible person."

Thank you to Sister Bruno and the whole 6th grade class. It was very captivating.

By: Rayan B

Edition 2011, #13 - Dr. Seuss and the Kindergarteners

Dr. Seuss and the Kindergartners
by Terrance R

On March 15, the kindergartners spent Dr. Seuss Day doing a lot of creative and fun activities. They watched a movie called “Sneetchers” which was about a group that wouldn’t accept another group because they didn’t have a blue star on their stomachs.

They also made booklets about Dr. Seuss. I was able to look at one titled “Green Eggs and Ham.” The student made a booklet with rhyming words describing the actual story. The theme of the booklet was, “If you try it, you might like it.” They also colored some Dr. Seuss coloring sheets. All of the coloring sheets looked so creative and colorful.

The class had a “Mark Your Vote” board outside their room where all students could use stickers to vote for their favorite Dr. Seuss story. I think “Green Eggs and Ham” won. From my experience with the kindergartners, I can tell that they had a lot of fun that day. Dr. Seuss shall never be FORGOTTEN!!!

I notice the Dr. Seuss spirit in Ms. Boatman and Ms. Griffin. Ms. Boatman was a Cat in the Hat, and Ms. Griffin was Thing 1. Their costumes and joy really caught their students and everyone else's attention. They spread the Dr. Seuss spirit to the whole school. Even the kindergartners wore a Dr. Seuss hat to express their passion for Dr. Seuss.

It was exciting for me to write this story. The creativity from the students and teachers really got my attention. Who knew such young students had limitless creativity inside of them. I expect more stories to come from Kindergarten. They make a great addition to St. Ethelreda School.

Edition 2011, #12 - Can you spell "celery"?

2nd Grade Spelling Bee

by Chanel B and Mr. Bill

The 2nd graders had a spelling bee on Friday, March 18, 2011. They had outstanding and challenging words to spell. There were nine spellers and within 4 minutes there were only four. Sr. Sheena and Mrs. Davis have taught those little ones some very complex words. When I listened to those 2nd graders spell I said “Wow these children can spell. They must have studied and studied all day long until they got tired”.

I talked to some of the students and here are their feelings:

• Linda H – "I like spelling bees and I am very into them."
• Kendall W – "I wanted to be in the spelling bee, but I didn’t make it."
• Nekira W - "I like vocabulary."
• Briana L - "The spelling bee was fun, and I liked the challenging words."
• Mrs. Davis – "It was awesome. They had challenging words, and they were successful."
• Sr. Sheena - "I wanted them to have a spelling bee because they are very good spellers and one day they will be in a real spelling bee."
• Noadiyah J – "When I started out I was not good at spelling, but through studying, studying, studying I got good, and I always wanted to be a speller."

Celery was the final and winning word. Congrats to Noadiyah J on winning the 2nd grade spelling bee.

Thank you to Sr. Sheena, Mrs. Davis, and the whole 2nd grade class for your outstanding job.

The entire photo set of the 2nd grade spelling bee is available here:

Photo set - 2nd grade spelling bee