Treasure Valley Homeschool Spelling Bee

We have children of all ages in every level each month, and each child typically gets a chance to attempt to spell several words. There is no forcing anyone to participate, although the judicious use of a gentle nudge has sometimes helped a child get up and participate. I approach it in a way that I hope inspires people to spell well, and I have definitely seen my own children be inspired by the experience. The spelling bee, done with levels and kept low key, can be a crucible experience for scholars, inspiration for love of learners, and part of that looking ahead towards what's ahead for children in core.

https://sites.google.com/site/homeschoolspellingbee/ 

The spelling bee is an open event every month. Instead of going by grade level, we use 3 levels for the spelling bee. This allows every child to practice spelling at their level, whatever that might be. We try to keep it pretty low key, because our goal is to inspire good spelling. I have seen quite a bit of motivation result from the once a month opportunity to practice spelling skills in front of others. I have spelling lists available on the spelling bee website, along with a detailed explanation of our goal: to motivate kids to spell well. 

- Melissa Wolfe

Treasure Valley Poetry Club

Treasure Valley Poetry Club

When: 1st Wed of each month at 9:30 am.
Where: Garden City Library
Why: To rekindle the lost art of recitation.
How: 3 types of Poetry Bee competitions.
Who: All ages

How we run a "Poetry Bee"

We have patterned the idea from the traditional format of a Spelling Bee. All participants have studied the same set of verses. At the meeting, each participant stands in a line and the verses are called out randomly. If it is recited perfectly, the participant is still in the contest; if not, they are asked to sit down.

We do three types of "Poetry Bee’s."1. Nursery rhymes.
2. Verses from our religious cannon.
3. Poems and Speeches.

All ages are encouraged to participate in every Bee. We do ask that once a contestant has won a level of a Bee, that they move on to the next level of competition. 

This group was designed to help encourage and inspire "Love of Learning" aged students.  We wanted a regular, predictable meeting and purpose for participants to study for.  We have been running for over a year now, and would love new members.  Want to Join Us?  Contact Emma at richemma26@yahoo.com or check out our web page at http://tvpoetryclub.blogspot.

com/