Latest news with #SpellingBee
Herald Sun
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Herald Sun
Nova 96.9's Fitzy and Wippa back ABCs and PM's Spelling Bee
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News. Battle-weary mums and dads skidding into term 3 convinced it's time for operation damage control can take some comfort in knowing that they're not alone. Even Nova 96.9's famously laconic radio personality Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald, father to Hewie, 16, and Lenny, 12, feels major social transformations like social media, AI and geopolitical tensions have disproportionately pulled focus. 'We've got a couple of wars … it is quite confusing at the moment,' Fitzy said. 'There's a lot of uncertainty out there.' But have these global forces distracted all the adults in the room from adequately monitoring Australian children's literacy development? That's a question worrying the majority of parents. Exclusive new research reveals 64 per cent of Australian school parents (K-12) fear kids' education is at risk of becoming collateral damage as societal stresses mount. Fitzy & Wippa, pictured in the 96.9 studio at Nova Radio in Sydney, joined the launch of the PM's Spelling Bee. Picture: Justin Lloyd. Two in three parent respondents 'worry the education of this generation is being overlooked and damaged in the face of growing societal change and the pressures on families'. That concern peaks for children in junior primary, with 72 per cent of surveyed parents in agreement. The survey of 1307 Australians – conducted exclusively for Kids News as part of the June 2025 Lighthouse Consumer Tracker, by News Corp Australia's Growth Intelligence Centre (GIC) – comes as the free classroom news site's flagship literacy initiative, the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee, opens for its fifth year on Monday. After the competition's record 70,557 student registrations last year, leading social demographer Mark McCrindle said the PM's Spelling Bee's surging popularity nationwide was part of a 'corrective' movement 'back to the real world'. 'We do need to master English for our future and parents are pretty clear on that,' Mr McCrindle said. 'Can our children write? Can they construct sentences? That (GIC) survey picked that up … literacy and numeracy really are front of mind for parents, through that practical lens of what it means for their (children's) future.' Recent McCrindle research has itself found that while parents support wellbeing as a focus in schools, they also want to know that students are equipped 'with foundation learning blocks and therefore with the ability to thrive'. Leading Australian demographer Mark McCrindle. 'That's why we're starting to see an intense focus back on the basics,' Mr McCrindle said. 'There's a need for priority and a recognition that maybe we've eased off a bit too much on the foundation responsibility of schools, and that's to deliver on numeracy and literacy.' The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) CEO Stephen Gniel agreed that 'early intervention is the key to improving educational outcomes'. As the nation's main measure of kids' essential literacy skills and knowledge, Mr Gniel said the results of ACARA's NAPLAN assessments were an important tool for teachers and parents 'to identify if a student is at risk of falling behind'. Registrations and the school round for the fifth annual Prime Minister's Spelling Bee open at 9am AEST on Monday 21 July. Now established on the annual calendar for educators teaching across years 3-8, the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee is an additional tool, delivered in schools as a free, fun challenge that kids simply enjoy. 'Literacy is one of the foundational skills that underpins learning and life, so it is fantastic that the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee is highlighting this important issue,' Mr Gniel said. News Corp Australia community ambassador Penny Fowler said the fifth year of competition was cause for celebration. 'The Prime Minister's Spelling Bee has fantastic momentum, growing in popularity every year and bringing to the fore the critical role literacy plays in educating young Australians and positively impacting their path to adulthood,' Ms Fowler said. 'Amid concerns about children's social media exposure, it's inspiring to see so many embrace the written word to unlock a lifetime of learning, reflecting Kids News' belief that education is an investment in future generations.' News Corp Australia community ambassador Penny Fowler said the fifth year of the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee was cause for celebration. Picture: David Caird Fitzy's Nova co-host and devoted father of three Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli said the PM's Spelling Bee 'rewards concentration, curiosity and persistence'. 'Every child deserves the chance to shine through effort, not algorithms,' Wippa said. 'A good old-fashioned spelling bee offers more than just a chance to memorise words – it helps kids to slow down and build confidence at a time when many are overwhelmed.' Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli pictured at home with his family, from left Francesca, Wippa, Jack, Lisa and Ted. Wippa is a strong advocate of raising the minimum age for social media use and is an active supporter of the 36 Months campaign. Picture: Sam Ruttyn A big believer in cultivating resilience in kids, Fitzy said the Bee was 'an unbelievable confidence-building' initiative. 'We need to start learning and adapting, combining the latest technology with those basic skills of literacy, English, grammar that we grew up with,' he said, likening his own sons' development to 'getting into the gym':'You're not going to see results straightaway, but when you do start seeing results, it's really fulfilling.' Catch Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie from 6am at Nova 96.9 in Sydney and nationally on Nova Player. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese launched the milestone birthday of the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee with the help of Rockdale Public School. These students were finalists in the NSW Premier's Spelling Bee and principal Amy Ha said the school was entering the national spelling challenge for the first time in 2025. Picture: Jonathan Ng ABOUT THE BEE ● The Prime Minister's Spelling Bee is a free, online competition for students in Years 3-8. ● Students compete at their school in three levels: Green level for Years 3-4, Orange level for Years 5-6 and Red level for Years 7-8. ● They get 30 randomly selected words from their competition level and have 25 seconds to type each answer. The students with the most correct words in the fastest time progress to finals. ● Teachers can register their students from July 21 when the school round begins. ● The school round ends on August 22. State and territory finals will be held September 1-5 and the national finals on September 10-11. ● The national champion in each age group wins a trip to Canberra to meet the Prime Minister, an iPad, HarperCollins book pack and a $1000 voucher for their school. Details: The PM's Spelling Bee is the flagship literacy initiative of free classroom news site FROM 'FUTURE STRESS TO CAN-DO KIDS Parents are worried children will pay the price for today's pressures and uncertainties – and kids are feeling it too. Research by online mental health service ReachOut found nearly half of 16-18 year olds (43 per cent) said 'future stress' was one of the issues concerning them most. ReachOut clinical governance lead Linda Williams. Picture: supplied ReachOut clinical governance lead Linda Williams said young Australians' worries included climate anxiety, world news and future jobs. While solid foundation literacy skills like spelling will always help young Aussies prosper, Ms Williams said ReachOut had some building blocks for parents to help children unburden themselves and embrace the future as can-do kids: Maintain open communication 'Regular check-ins about how they're going can be really helpful to understand what challenges they are dealing with, how these might change over time and how (difficulties) are impacting (them). Approaching conversations … with curiosity can help.' Try not to minimise or dismiss their feelings 'Trying to understand where they are coming from, what's causing them stress and how it's impacting them is a really important first step, which can come from conversations but also from observing their mood and any changes.' Identify options 'Once you understand more it can become more clear what kind of support and coping strategies could be helpful. That could include things like mental health support, scheduling in times for hobbies they love and screen breaks.' Practice self-care 'Parents are sometimes dealing with similar challenges themselves in real time too. (Having) the energy to support your young person when they need you is also vital,' Ms Williams said. ReachOut supports Australian parents and kids at Originally published as Era of uncertainty has put focus for kids' education back on basics
News.com.au
12 hours ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
Prime Minister's Spelling Bee's big milestone as 2025 challenge open
The significant a-n-n-i-v-e-r-s-a-r-y on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's mind during his Rockdale Public School visit had nothing to do with his forthcoming wedding. Officially launching the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee's milestone fifth year, the man himself said 2024's record 70,557 student registrations promised that this year's fun national spelling challenge would be 'the biggest and best yet'. Mobbed at recess after meeting some of the southern Sydney school's top spellers, the PM said the Bee – run by free classroom news site Kids News – was especially timely for young Australians amid the current technological revolution. 'More than ever, your generation has to contend with technology that tries to tell you what to say as well as how to say it,' he said. 'This spelling bee is a way to build the comprehension and communication skills to speak for yourself. 'It's also a great way to boost your memory, a strength that will hold you in good stead right through life.' With registrations and the school round open from 9am AEST tomorrow, Mr Albanese invited all students across years 3-8 to take part. 'If you're reading this, I hope you have a crack at the 2025 Prime Minister's Spelling Bee,' he said. 'I wish you all the very best and I look forward to meeting the winners later in the year.' Rockdale PS principal Amy Ha said students and staff 'were all super excited' to host their VIP visitor for the launch, adding that literacy was 'the foundation of all learning and vital to student success'. 'Spelling has been undermined by texting and social media, so it is imperative that we, as educators, encourage students to develop strong spelling skills to ensure success in all areas of literacy,' Ms Ha said. Entering her students for the first time, Ms Ha said: 'The Prime Minister's Spelling Bee competition is a great way to motivate students to have a go and be part of the fun.' ABOUT THE BEE â—� The Prime Minister's Spelling Bee is a free, online competition for students in Years 3-8. â—� Students compete at their school in three levels: Green level for Years 3-4, Orange level for Years 5-6 and Red level for Years 7-8. â—� They get 30 randomly selected words from their competition level and have 25 seconds to type each answer. The students with the most correct words in the fastest time progress to finals. â—� Teachers can register their students from July 21 when the school round begins. â—� The school round ends on August 22. State and territory finals will be held September 1-5 and the national finals on September 10-11. â—� The national champion in each age group wins a trip to Canberra to meet the Prime Minister, an iPad, HarperCollins book pack and a $1000 voucher for their school.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NYT Strands today: Clues, answers, Spangram for July 19, 2025
NYT Strands hints, spangram, answers for July 19 NYT Strands July 19, 2025: The New York Times published its inaugural crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in the Sunday Magazine. Created by Charles Erlenkotter and edited by Margaret Farrar, it was the first major newspaper to feature a crossword puzzle. Over the years, the NYT has introduced several beloved games, including the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. In 2022, the NYT launched the wildly popular Wordle, followed by additional games like Connections and Strands. NYT Strands is the latest addition to its puzzle offerings. This engaging daily game presents players with new themes each day, challenging them to uncover all the words on the grid. One of the game's highlights is the special Spangram, which stretches across two sides of the board. With its innovative approach to word puzzles, Strands quickly became a fan favourite, adding to the diverse and exciting puzzle lineup of the New York Times. NYT Strands July 19, 2025 – Hints, answers, Spangram Having trouble solving today's NYT Strands puzzle? We're here to help with some easy hints to fuel your curiosity even more. Plus, we've got today's answer waiting for you – just keep reading. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Today's NYT Strands puzzle theme The theme for today's Strands is "Hot enough for ya?" Hints for today's Strands Below, we've shared the hints, answers, and Spangram for today's NYT Strands puzzle. The hints may give away part or all of the Strands, so proceed with caution. Scroll down to continue: Hints Hint #1: To sear a surface so its color and texture are altered. Hint #2: A sweltering level of heat that leaves someone uncomfortable. NYT Strands July 19, 2025 – Hints, answers, Spangram Spangram for today SummerWeather is the Spangram for today's NYT Strands puzzle. Today's Strands' answers: MUGGY STICKY BALMY SCORCHING SWELTERING What are NYT Strands and how to play the game? Strands is a puzzle game that blends elements of Connections, Spelling Bee, and classic crossword puzzles. Players are given 48 letters arranged on a 6 x 8-inch grid, along with a daily theme. The goal is to solve the Spangram and uncover all the theme-related words. To play, connect letters on the grid to form words by dragging your mouse or fingers (on a touchscreen) in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal directions. Start by identifying the central theme word or Spangram, which will help you understand the puzzle's theme. In addition to the Spangram, you must also find other words related to the theme hidden in the grid. Once you've uncovered them all, the puzzle is complete. Tips for solving NYT Strands puzzle Identify the theme words: Fill in the grid with the theme words. Once found, they will be highlighted in blue and won't overlap with each other. Find the Spangram: Identify the Spangram, a key part of the puzzle that connects two opposite sides of the grid. It encapsulates the theme and may consist of two words. The Spangram will be highlighted in yellow once you've located it. Take advantage of hints: Pay attention to off-topic words for clues. For every three non-theme words you uncover, letters will be highlighted to give you a hint toward finding a theme word, without directly revealing it. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
USA Today
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
NYT Mini Crossword hints, clues and answers today for July 19 2025
WARNING: THERE ARE NYT MINI CROSSWORD SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT THE JULY 19, 2025 NYT MINI CROSSWORDS SPOILED FOR YOU. Ready? OK. If you're a fan of New York Times games like Wordle or Spelling Bee or Connections, chances are you are someone who does the NYT Mini Crossword puzzle every day, which is super fun given that there's a timer for an additional challenge. And if that's the case and you're truly stumped, fear not! We're here to help with the answers for today's puzzle, to get you unstuck. Let's start with hints for every clue! 1A: Not dirty. 6A: Think phone. 7A: Three vowels. 9A: X marks the spot (and two vowels are the same). 10A: Two consonants are. the same. 11A: ___ De Janeiro. 12A: Also goes with a suit. 13A: They have a queen. 14A: Extension. 15A: Nintendo. 1D: X marks the spots. 2D: You may hurt your feet when you step on them. 3D: Two consonants are the same. 4D: How you describe second place. 5D: Also how you describe your morning. 7D: Copy and ____. 8D: In a casino. Here are today's NYT Mini Crossword answers! 1A: CLEAR 6A: HELLO 7A: PEGASUS 9A: AXOLOTL 10A: SMS 11A: RIO 12A: TIE 13A: ANT 14A: EXT 15A: NES 1D: CHEXMIX 2D: LEGOSET 3D: ELAL 4D: ALSORAN 5D: ROUTINE 7D: PASTE 8D: SLOTS Play more word games Looking for more word games?
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
NYT Mini Crossword hints, clues and answers today for July 18 2025
WARNING: THERE ARE NYT MINI CROSSWORD SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT THE JULY 18, 2025 NYT MINI CROSSWORDS SPOILED FOR YOU. Ready? OK. If you're a fan of New York Times games like Wordle or Spelling Bee or Connections, chances are you are someone who does the NYT Mini Crossword puzzle every day, which is super fun given that there's a timer for an additional challenge. And if that's the case and you're truly stumped, fear not! We're here to help with the answers for today's puzzle, to get you unstuck. Let's start with hints for every clue! 1A: Not whole. 5A: Three vowels! 7A: Ends with a vowel. 8A: Not off. 9A: Good times. 11A: Think car engine, sort of. 1D: ____ -sphere 2D: ____ us. 3D: 51. 4D: White stuff. 6D: Two vowels. 10D: Ends with a vowel. Here are today's NYT Mini Crossword answers! 1A: HALF 5A: EMILE 7A: MO 8A: ON 9A: INFUN 11A: GERE 1D: HEMI 2D: AMONG 3D: LI 4D: FLOUR 6D: ENNE 10D: FE Play more word games Looking for more word games?
