The Spelling Bee
The Spelling Bee The Spelling Bee Kate had a reputation for being a chatterbox. Each day her teacher, Mr. Harper, would be forced to say, "Kate, could you please stop whispering with Jess? You need to be paying attention!" Jess was a pretty girl with long pigtails. She sat directly behind Kate in Mr. Harper's class. In the morning they often discussed what they would eat for lunch in the school cafeteria. Jess liked ham-and-cheese sandwiches. Kate favored bagels with cream cheese. After lunc
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The Spelling Bee
The Spelling Bee
Kate had a reputation for being a chatterbox.Each day her teacher, Mr. Harper, would be forced to say, "Kate, could you please stop whispering with Jess?You need to be paying attention!"
Jess was a pretty girl with long pigtails. She sat directly behind Kate in Mr. Harper's class.In the morning they often discussed what they would eat for lunch in the school cafeteria.Jess liked ham-and-cheese sandwiches. Kate favored bagels with cream cheese.
After lunch the conversation usually included their after-school plans.Today, though, the most important topic was the school-wide spring spelling bee,which would take place that evening in the school auditorium.
Kate felt nervous about standing in front of an audience.The entire school would be at the spelling bee, along with all the relatives of her classmates.
Although Kate was nervous, the possibility that she could be the fifth-grade winner excited her.She needed to share her feelings with Jess.Kate knew that Jess would understand since she, too, was nervous and excited.
As usual Mr. Harper was not pleased with their chatter.
"Quiet down, everyone," he said. "It is essential that we finish this work."
Kate faced forward in her chair and tried to concentrate on the afternoon grammar lesson.Despite her efforts, she kept becoming distracted by what lay ahead that night.Kate could think of nothing other than the spelling bee!
The minutes dragged by. Finally, Mr. Harper reviewed the homework assignment.The dismissal bell rang shortly after. Kate gathered her books.
"Kate," said Mr. Harper. "Please see me at my desk."Kate approached her teacher.Yesterday Mr. Harper had said that he would have to see her after school if she kept making distractions.Kate feared that Mr. Harper might not let her participate in the spelling bee because of her constant disruptions.
"Kate," Mr. Harper said sternly. "I warned you yesterday not to disrupt the class again."
Kate wanted to cry. "Mr. Harper, I'm so sorry. I promise I won't ever talk during class again."
"That's what you said yesterday," said Mr. Harper.
"But, Mr. Harper," Kate pleaded, "tonight is the spelling bee.More than anything in the world, I want to be there!"
Mr. Harper looked puzzled. "Who said anything about missing the spelling bee?I called you to my desk to remind you that whispering is unfair to everyone.It keeps students from learning as well as they might.Each student deserves the best opportunity to learn, Kate."
Mr. Harper smiled. "I also called you up to wish you good luck in the spelling bee.I'll be rooting for you and your classmates."
Kate was relieved that Mr. Harper was still letting her participate in the spelling bee.But she also knew that he was right about her chatting problem."You've come a long way this year, Kate.Your expanded vocabulary will help you greatly in tonight's spelling bee," said Mr. Harper.
"Thanks Mr. Harper," said Kate.
Kate left the classroom, thinking of everything Mr Harper has said.She couldn't wait for the spelling bee!
Kate hurried home. There were many things to do.She had to do her homework, eat dinner with her mom, and change into her lucky dress.
Kate's mom was waiting at home with some cookies and a glass of milk.Kate sat down to enjoy the treat.She talked with her mom about the big night that lay ahead.
"I'm so pleased, Kate," her mom said."Nobody forced you to enter the spelling bee, but you took on the challenge anyway.You've worked so hard to improve your spelling and vocabulary. I know that you'll do well tonight!"
Kate grinned at her mom.She was proud of herself and the work she had done during the last year to improve her spelling and vocabulary.Her mind drifted back to a time when she hadn't felt happy about her learning.
Reading had always been difficult for Kate.It had become more frustrating with each passing year, as the amount of reading had increased in each grade.
Last spring, Kate was having serious difficulty in school.Her mom got together with Mrs. Miller, Kate's fourth-grade teacher, to find out why.
Both Mrs. Miller and Kate's mother knew that Kate was intelligent.They were sure that there was a good explanation for her struggles.Together they made an effort to discover the explanation and make some changes that would help Kate.
