Practices Begin January 12, 2020
Tuesdays 3:15pm-4:00pm
Chess puzzle competition is very different from tournament chess play. Contestants in a chess puzzle contest receive a paper-and-pencil test that includes a series of chess boards with pieces in particular positions. The contestant must then determine the fewest moves to checkmate given that particular board layout. Time is also a factor - contestants are scored based on the most puzzles solved in the least amount of time.
Creative Writing (Grade 2):
This event encourages writing skills and creativity in an academic format. Students are given several captioned pictures from which to choose. The students create an original story based on their selections. Students have 30 minutes to complete their writing.
Storytelling (Grades 2, 3):
This event encourages listening, thinking, and creative expression. Students are read a brief story. They retell that story in their own words before a panel of judges. The students will be coached to use facial expressions, vocal variety, originality, gestures, articulation and enthusiasm.
Spelling (Grades 3):
This contest is designed to give students exposure to a wide variety of vocabulary words. Students will study a list of pre-selected words and learn to spell proficiently, write clearly, and capitalize words properly. Students will write down words read to them at a rate of approximately five words per minute.
Number Sense (Grades 4, 5):
Students will be coached to make quick mental calculations using various mathematical strategies. Concepts covered include, but are not limited to: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, proportions, and use of mathematic notation. For the contest, students will be given a ten minute, fill-in-the-blank test that they must complete without doing any calculations on paper or on a calculator.
Oral Reading (Grades 4, 5):
This contest provides opportunities for students to analyze text, develop as a performer, communicate a message to an audience, and to interpret and perform an artistic creation. Students read aloud a self-selected published poem before a panel of judges. The written text may be used during the contest. The maximum time for the presentation is six minutes.
Tuesdays 3:15pm-4:00pm
Chess puzzle competition is very different from tournament chess play. Contestants in a chess puzzle contest receive a paper-and-pencil test that includes a series of chess boards with pieces in particular positions. The contestant must then determine the fewest moves to checkmate given that particular board layout. Time is also a factor - contestants are scored based on the most puzzles solved in the least amount of time.
Creative Writing (Grade 2):
This event encourages writing skills and creativity in an academic format. Students are given several captioned pictures from which to choose. The students create an original story based on their selections. Students have 30 minutes to complete their writing.
Storytelling (Grades 2, 3):
This event encourages listening, thinking, and creative expression. Students are read a brief story. They retell that story in their own words before a panel of judges. The students will be coached to use facial expressions, vocal variety, originality, gestures, articulation and enthusiasm.
Spelling (Grades 3):
This contest is designed to give students exposure to a wide variety of vocabulary words. Students will study a list of pre-selected words and learn to spell proficiently, write clearly, and capitalize words properly. Students will write down words read to them at a rate of approximately five words per minute.
Number Sense (Grades 4, 5):
Students will be coached to make quick mental calculations using various mathematical strategies. Concepts covered include, but are not limited to: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, proportions, and use of mathematic notation. For the contest, students will be given a ten minute, fill-in-the-blank test that they must complete without doing any calculations on paper or on a calculator.
Oral Reading (Grades 4, 5):
This contest provides opportunities for students to analyze text, develop as a performer, communicate a message to an audience, and to interpret and perform an artistic creation. Students read aloud a self-selected published poem before a panel of judges. The written text may be used during the contest. The maximum time for the presentation is six minutes.