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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: PIECE / PEACE (02/16/23)
Spelling Bee

I had entered the 3rd grade Spelling Bee and I was a nervous wreck, this was the first year I had made it into the competition. I was excited but knew I had to study the word list a lot if I was going to make it to state.

“Man these homophones can be very tricky, and confusing,” I said out loud to myself. I don’t know why I find (piece-peace) so hard. I think I need some extra help with this, because I have to get this straight in my mind somehow.

I decide it was time to bring in the Spelling Bee champ. My mom had won the competition every year from 3rd grade through 6th grade. She has to have some tricks up her sleeve to remember these two words.

Mom , “I can’t get these two spelling words straight in my mind, is P-e-a-c-e like I want a piece of bread or is it P-i-e-c-e I can’t remember when to spell which one. I only have two days left to learn this and I don’t want to loose on a 5 letter homophone.

“Well let’s see if we can come up with a way to remember each one” said Mom. “Ok, P-E-A-C-E has pea at the beginning that could make you think of food, but if the clue they gave in a sentence was, Kelley wanted a piece of cake then pea would not be enough to let you know which peace or piece was the correct word. Now let’s look at P-I-E-C-E, it has the word pie at the beginning so if the clue was, Kelley wanted a piece of cake then you would remember the correct spelling is piece because you also would ask for a piece of pie as well as cake.”

“Wow mom that is perfect” I said. What a great way to remember spelling words. Piece of cake, piece of pie, piece of paper, or a piece of anything I just have to remember pie. So if the clue doesn’t suggest a part of something, I will know the correct spelling is peace. “Boy does that give me peace of mind”, I laughingly said as I walked back to my room.

Walking on stage I was nervous and had butterflies in my stomach. My first word was (comfort), that was a piece of cake, no problems I thought. I kinda of giggled to myself as I walked back to my seat, realizing the phrase I had used to show my relief that my first word went so well.

The Spelling Bee was coming to an end, there were only two of us left and Bill had missed his last word, so I just had to get this next word correct and I would be the one representing our school at the state competition.

My hands were shaking as they called my name. Lexy this is your final word. You word is piece, oh no which one is it! I ask the pronouncer if I could please have the word used in a sentence.

“Of course, here is your sentence” said the pronouncer. Mom, could I have another piece of chocolate cake?

I think my heart did a cartwheel. The clue couldn’t have been more perfect, I proudly stepped up to the microphone and spelled
P-I-E-C-E. Everyone clapped and my Mom blew me a kiss. I did it, I am going to the state competition, this is the best day ever!!
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This article has been read 335 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Bonnie Clarkson
02/26/23
Clever use of piece and peace. Liked the inclusion of the sayings. Good job on the dialogue and description.
Keep writing.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/27/23
This is a charming story. Kids' stories are my favorite to read, write, and edit, and your article made me smile. You did a nice job of telling the emotions, but it could be even stronger if you show those emotions with body language, dialog, and thoughts. For example: After entering the third-grade spelling bee, my stomach felt like it was doing jumping jacks.
I like the dialog. You've a nice start on making it sound authentic, but can go even farther by using incomplete sentences, shorter lines, and more slang. One thing that is important when writing for kids is to make sure kids resolve the conflict. It's okay for an adult to guide, but would be even better if the MC had figured out the pie-trick with very little help from Mom. You've a wonderful start though. I was rooting for the MC from the first word to the last. You also did an outstanding job of making both topic words the central theme of the story. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Barbara Culler 
02/27/23
Now this was a unique take on the topic!
Terry R A Eissfeldt 
02/27/23
I enjoyed your piece (LOL)
The bones are all here for great story. Just a few technical things
Personally I try to write stories like this in present tense - it helps me to make them punchier
Punctuation needs some editing - but Hey! that's all easy to learn and grow in - But you nailed the storyteller piece (LOL)
Nnenna Moneme
02/28/23
This story is a great read and relatable. Welldone.

Having said that, I think it better not to use brackets in paragraph two- ... i find (peice-peace) hard. if written as .. i find peace and peace hard to spell, it flows better for the reader.

you did a great job. keep writting
Jennifer Percell
03/02/23
This was delightful! You have the makings of a really good writer!