A. Open Sightreading Event Prompts
Round 1 - 4:00pm
Speaker 1
The Lost Key:
Max had one job: to watch his dad's keys while he was getting groceries. But as Max sat on the bench, daydreaming about his favorite video game, he didn't notice the keys slipping out of his hand. When he realized they were gone, panic set in. Max retraced his steps, looking everywhere. Just when he thought all hope was lost, he spotted something shiny by the water fountain. His dad's keys! Max ran over and grabbed them, feeling both relieved and lucky. He promised himself to be more careful next time, knowing one small mistake could cause a lot of trouble.
Speaker 2
The Mysterious Letter:
Sara had never received a letter before, so when one arrived in the mail addressed to her, she was excited. The letter was plain, with no return address. Inside, she found a strange message: "Follow the path to find the treasure." Her curiosity took over, and Sara set off on a journey around her neighborhood, following clues hidden in places she knew well. Finally, after hours of searching, she found a small box hidden under her favorite tree. Inside was a locket that had belonged to her grandmother. Sara smiled, realizing the letter was from her parents, helping her connect with her family’s history.
Speaker 3
The Last Piece of Cake:
It was Danny’s birthday, and after the party, there was only one slice of cake left. Both Danny and his sister wanted it. They stared at the cake for what felt like forever, neither willing to back down. Suddenly, Danny had an idea. “How about we share it?” His sister agreed, and they cut the cake in half. As they ate, they laughed, remembering all the fun moments from the party. In the end, the last slice of cake wasn’t about winning or losing—it was about finding a way to enjoy it together.
Speaker 4
The Secret Garden:
Lila loved exploring the woods behind her house, but one day she found something new. Hidden among the trees was a small gate, covered in vines. She pushed it open and found a garden, filled with flowers she had never seen before. It felt magical, as if time had forgotten this place. Every day after school, Lila visited the garden, finding peace among the plants. She even started planting her own flowers, helping the garden grow. It became her secret spot, a place where she could dream and feel at home, away from the busy world outside.
Round 2 - 5:30pm
Speaker 1
Essay: The Importance of Teamwork
"Can you help me with this?" asked Jake, struggling to lift the heavy box. His friend Maya came over, and together they carried it across the room with ease. This simple moment shows the power of teamwork. When people work together, they can accomplish more than they could alone. Whether it's on the soccer field, in the classroom, or at home, teamwork makes tasks easier and often more fun. Learning how to cooperate and communicate with others is a skill that helps in all areas of life. As the saying goes, "Two heads are better than one."
Speaker 2
Essay: Why Reading is Important
"Reading is boring," complained Liam, tossing his book aside. But is it really? Reading opens up new worlds, introduces us to fascinating characters, and teaches us things we never knew before. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, reading expands our imagination and knowledge. It can also improve vocabulary, writing skills, and even empathy by helping us see things from different perspectives. Sure, it can take some time to get into a good book, but once you do, it’s like having an adventure right in your hands. So, next time you’re bored, give reading another try. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
Speaker 3
Essay: The Value of Practice
"I'll never get it right!" shouted Zoe after missing her guitar chord for the tenth time. Learning something new can be frustrating, but practice is what turns mistakes into progress. Whether you're learning an instrument, a sport, or how to solve math problems, practice is key to getting better. No one is born knowing everything, and everyone makes mistakes along the way. What matters is not giving up. As Zoe’s guitar teacher once said, “Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it makes progress.” And with progress, you’ll find that things that once seemed impossible become second nature.
Speaker 4
Essay: Why We Should Protect the Environment
"Why does it matter if I pick up one piece of trash?" my friend asked as we walked through the park. It might not seem like much, but every small action adds up. If everyone picked up just one piece of litter, recycled one bottle, or saved a little water, we’d see a huge difference. Protecting the environment isn’t just about big changes—it’s about the little things we do every day. Our planet is home to amazing animals, plants, and ecosystems, and it's up to us to keep it healthy. By taking care of the Earth, we’re also taking care of our future.
Round 3 - 6:30pm
Speaker 1
Article: The Role of Sports in Shaping Character
Many people enjoy sports for the excitement, the competition, and the fun, but sports also play a significant role in shaping who we are as individuals. Participating in sports teaches important life lessons like discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.
"I don't feel like practicing today," said Kevin as he slumped on the bench. His coach smiled and replied, "Champions are made on the days they don’t feel like practicing."
That simple statement captures the value of pushing through challenges. Whether you're a part of a soccer team, swim club, or martial arts class, sports teach you how to stay dedicated even when things get tough. You learn to face obstacles with determination, and the skills you gain—time management, leadership, resilience—are useful far beyond the field. Sports not only strengthen your body but also build your character.
Speaker 2
Article: The Impact of Technology on Education
Over the past few decades, technology has transformed the way we learn. Classrooms that once relied on chalkboards and textbooks now use interactive screens, online resources, and digital learning tools. But is all this technology making education better?
"Do we really need laptops for everything?" asked Sarah during a class discussion. Her teacher replied, "Not everything, but they give us access to a world of information we couldn't reach otherwise."
Technology allows students to connect with knowledge in ways that weren’t possible before. With a click, you can access information from around the globe, watch educational videos, or even participate in virtual field trips. However, there’s a balance to be found. While technology can be a powerful tool, it’s also important to learn how to focus without it. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity remain essential, even in a tech-driven world.
Speaker 3
Article: Why Volunteer Work Matters
One of the best ways to make a positive difference in the world is through volunteer work. Whether it’s helping out at a local shelter, cleaning up a park, or tutoring a younger student, volunteering helps both the community and the volunteer grow.
"I don’t have time for that," said Jake when his friend asked him to help plant trees. "Trust me, you’ll love it," his friend insisted. Reluctantly, Jake agreed, and by the end of the day, he was glad he had.
Volunteering teaches empathy, responsibility, and how to work toward something bigger than yourself. It can be a powerful way to understand the challenges others face while giving back to society. Plus, volunteering isn’t just about helping others; it also builds your own confidence, friendships, and skills. It reminds us all that even small efforts can lead to big changes.
Speaker 4
Article: How to Manage Stress at School
School can be stressful. With tests, homework, and extracurricular activities piling up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But managing stress is a skill you can learn, and it starts with knowing how to balance your time and take care of yourself.
"I’ve got way too much to do!" exclaimed Lily, looking at her never-ending list of assignments. Her friend responded, "Let’s break it down. Start with the easiest task, then move on from there."
One of the best ways to handle stress is by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts. You also need to make time for rest. Taking short breaks, getting enough sleep, and doing something you enjoy—whether it’s reading, drawing, or playing outside—can refresh your mind. It’s also important to talk to someone if you’re feeling too overwhelmed. Teachers, friends, or family can offer advice and help you put things in perspective. Stress might be part of school life, but with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to control your experience.