A Very Witchy Spelling Bee
What’s inside...
Cordelia loves to spell in every way, from studying spelling to practicing spells that transform words by adding letters. When she discovers the Witches' Double Spelling Bee, she is eager to compete. However, she faces stiff competition from Beulah Divine, a thirteen-time champion and seasoned spell-caster aged two hundred and three. The story follows Cordelia's journey as she tests her spelling skills against the most fiendish witch in the competition.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Cordelia to join the spelling bee? How did it make her feel?
Can you think of a time when you had to use your creativity to solve a problem, like Cordelia did with her spells?
Why do you think the other witches reacted the way they did during the spelling bee?
How do you think practicing and trying hard helped Cordelia in the contest?
What does this story teach us about competition and helping others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them to think of times they have participated in contests or had to solve problems creatively.
Discuss the importance of effort and practice, highlighting how Cordelia prepared for the spelling bee.
Explore the theme of sportsmanship, asking your child how they feel about winning and losing, and what they think about Cordelia’s actions during the competition.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explain why they liked it, which can lead to deeper understanding of the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of creativity and thinking outside the box
Explanation: The protagonist, Catalina, uses unconventional methods to compete in a spelling bee, demonstrating the value of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach problems in unique ways, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills in everyday tasks and school projects.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Catalina faces challenges but does not give up, showing perseverance even when things get tough.
Real-World Application: This encourages kids to keep trying in difficult situations, whether they are dealing with a tough math problem or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: The importance of fair play
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of playing fair and the consequences of cheating through the actions of other characters.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to value honesty and integrity, reinforcing good behaviors in school and play.
Example Lesson: Friendship and collaboration
Explanation: Catalina interacts with other characters in positive ways, highlighting how working together can lead to greater success than working alone.
Real-World Application: This can be applied to group activities and projects, teaching children the importance of teamwork and mutual support.