iSpell & iThink: Building Language for Life

On Wednesday, July 23rd, our school celebrated the power of language with two exciting academic events: iThink Content and iSpell Contest, both designed and led by the Language Arts Department. These initiatives brought writing and vocabulary to life through hands-on, level-appropriate challenges that promoted creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful language use.

The iThink Content was aimed at students from 3rd to 11th grade, who participated in a fast-paced writing challenge. In just four minutes, students had to respond to a real-world prompt, using at least five Power Words (strong, expressive academic vocabulary) and demonstrating purpose, audience, and context in their writing. These elements are essential for effective communication, both in and beyond school.

A key part of the event’s success was the preparation stage, which took place from July 8th to 18th. During this period, teachers incorporated iThink practice into their lessons, helping students build vocabulary and sharpen their writing through meaningful activities. This preparation gave every student a chance to develop their skills and enter the event with confidence.

Learning to write with purpose and clarity is more than an academic skill, it’s a real-life tool. Whether it’s writing an email, making a presentation, or explaining an idea, students who can organize their thoughts and express themselves clearly are prepared for success in any setting. iThink helps build those skills by showing students that writing is not only useful, but also fun and empowering.

Meanwhile, our youngest learners from 1st and 2nd grade shone brightly in the iSpell Contest, a joyful and hands-on spelling experience. Using large-format letters, students worked in teams to arrange words correctly, combining phonics, motor skills, and visual recognition. This active approach helps develop early literacy and strengthens spelling a skill that supports reading, writing, and overall academic performance. On the day of the event, iSpell followed a SAY–SPELL–SAY format, where students listened carefully, spelled aloud, and earned points for their house teams. The energy and joy were evident as students proudly took part in the celebration of words and teamwork.

What made both events truly special was the students' response: they felt motivated, challenged, and proud of what they achieved. Many shared that it was a fun, meaningful experience that helped them discover new vocabulary and express themselves more confidently.