Title I Facilitator and Curriculum Coach Christina Hightower and Parent Liaison Belinda Bryan collaborated to host the first ever Spanish Spelling Bee at Eagle Nest Elementary School, a public elementary school in North Charleston, SC where more than 20% of the students are multilingual learners, over twice the state average. Christina was first inspired to host this event after reading the book Spanish is the Language of My Family by Michael Genhart. The story features a student who is preparing for the school spelling bee by practicing with his abuela, who recounts her difficult childhood experiences in which she was not permitted to speak her home language at school. We caught up with Christina, who shared about her experience planning this special event.

What inspired you to plan a Spanish spelling bee for the students at Eagle Nest?

I was inspired to plan a Spanish spelling bee after reading the book Spanish is the Language of my Family. In the story, the main character prepares for a Spanish spelling bee by studying with his grandmother. While preparing for the spelling bee she tells him about her transition to America and how she was only allowed to speak English at school. This inspired him to study even harder and make his family proud. I thought it was a beautiful story, and I wanted to make that a reality for our students. I googled "Spanish spelling bees" and discovered that there is a National Spanish Spelling Bee for students in grades 4-8.

Practically speaking, how did the event go? What was the format?

The event went well! We invited students in grades 3-5 to participate. They had to be able to read and write in Spanish. We had 10 students participate, including a student from a neighboring school who heard about it and wanted to compete. The students received the word list two weeks in advance so that they could prepare. We met with the students to explain the process and allow them to practice. They were able to ask questions and tell us what kind of prizes they thought they should win. We followed a traditional spelling bee format.

How did you collaborate with other staff at your school to make this event happen?

I shared my idea with my principal, the bilingual parent liaison, and our ML teachers. I knew I would need them to buy in to make this event a success. After that, I made the flyers and permission slips. I asked teachers to give the flyers to their ML students and to encourage them to participate. The spelling bee was advertised on our Facebook page and Class Dojo. Our liaison agreed to be the pronouncer and help to answer any questions that parents may have. The ML teachers and a former administrator served as our judges.

What impact did this event have on you personally and/or professionally?

Doing this impacted me as a professional by showing me that our students and families want and need events like this. I am inspired to continue to shine a light on as many of our students as possible. It also made me want to learn more about our student population and ways to serve them. 

Did you experience any challenges or limiting factors?

One of the challenges was student participation. This is new for them, and they were a little nervous. Once I met with students, they felt better. I think that now that they understand how the spelling bee works, they will be ready next year. My dream would be to have more schools participate next year and that our students compete in the National Spanish spelling bee in the future.

“I believe that the Spanish Spelling Bee was a success! This event gave our ML students a time to shine in their native language! I love that the parents were able to come out and support as well as the great sentences that went with each word.” - Stacy Sturdivant, Assistant Principal

“It was a great way to promote inclusion and celebrate bilingual students. Seeing these students come out of their shells and feel confident in their abilities was truly amazing. The kids' smiles and excitement made it a total 10/10.” – Brittany Lowell, ML Teacher

“I am thrilled to see the Spanish spelling bee take place at ENES. It gives our multilingual students an opportunity to share their love and knowledge of their first language. I am always encouraging our students to take chances and be a part of our educational community. This is one way to do so.” - Liz Lawrence, 5th Grade Teacher

“My student who participated and got 2nd has definitely had an improved attitude about school and learning! I loved the spelling bee and the opportunity it gave for our kids to try something new and stretch themselves.” – Makayla Hunter, 4th Grade Teacher

“I believe that the spelling bee was an AMAZING event that allowed our ML students to feel special, included, and celebrated. As a community we have many students that Spanish is their primary language, and they often feel different or singled out. I believe this allowed us to build a much-needed connection with our Eagle Nest Spanish speaking community. I think this is a great tradition to start!” – Katyln Jordan, 3rd Grade Teacher

"Well, when I was told I was sooo excited!" – Nora Leal, 4th Grader, Winner of the spelling bee

“I liked it because it was for Hispanic people, and it was the first one. I want to do it again next year.” - Sharon, 4th Grader