The Spelling Bee Surprise

What lesson does the writer learn in the memoir?

• Winning is the only thing that matters

• Friends should not compete against each other

• You can do brave things even when you feel nervous

• Spelling bees are too scary to join

What challenge does the writer face?

• Remembering how to spell easy words

• Feeling nervous during the spelling bee

• Helping Maya with her words

• Forgetting to sign up for the spelling bee

How is the challenge solved?

• The writer gives up and sits down

• The writer keeps trying and spells the words correctly

• Maya tells the writer the answers

• The teacher gives easier words

How did the writer feel at the beginning of the spelling bee?

• Confident and excited

• Nervous and unsure

• Silly and playful

• Angry and upset

By the end of the story, how had the writer changed?

• They felt proud and brave

• They were disappointed and upset

• They were still scared of spelling

• They forgot about the competition

How does Maya help the story move forward?

• She gives the writer the right words

• She cheers for the writer and competes in the final round

• She distracts the writer during the bee

• She takes the writer's seat

Where does the story take place?

• At home in the kitchen

• In the classroom during the spelling bee

• On the playground at recess

• In the library after school

Which sentence uses sensory language to help you imagine the moment?

• My classmates clapped as I sat down.

• My palms were sweaty, and I rubbed them on my jeans.

• Maya came over to hug me.

• The teacher smiled and said, 'Correct!'

Who is telling the story?

• The teacher

• The writer, remembering their own spelling bee

• Maya

• An outside narrator

What big idea can readers take away from this memoir?

• Spelling bees are too hard for most kids

• You can succeed even if you start out nervous

• Winning is more important than friendship

• Friends should never compete against each other