For the last few years, some of our children have participated in the spelling bee at CEFAS Biligual School. Here’s the catch: the spelling bee is in English! For the last month, our two participants have been practicing two times a week. Since we also have some native English speakers to spare at the house, we have been sending helpers when possible.
At times, the spelling words have taken everyone by surprise. Could you correctly spell harmonious, erstwhile, buccaneer, romanticism or augurs if you under pressure and in front of a judge? Probably yes, but now imagine being in 7th grade and memorizing those words in a foreign language that has completely different spelling patterns and irregular rules (and those were only the “average” words)!
This past Thursday was the actual competition. CEFAS competed against a few other schools that are members of the Association of Christian Schools International. Our younger participant made it to the second round. This was his first time participating and we are so proud that he wanted to compete and would like to try it again next year! Our older participant made it to the 8th round! She was a little disappointed, but we couldn’t be happier for her as she made it much farther than last year.
Thanks to great schooling and a steady stream of American volunteers and teams, our children are making great strides in their English language skills. It is really interesting to watch them learn, get better and discover how to express themselves in another language. The opportunities our children have to learn English is all thanks to our supporters and sponsors! You can learn more about monthly sponsorship by clicking here.