Sixth graders at Anderson Grove Elementary proved they are competition-ready when it comes to figurative language. Ms. Holter brought an exciting and energetic twist to language arts review by hosting an English Language Arts Olympics, a week-long series of classroom events designed to reinforce students' understanding of figurative language in a memorable, engaging way.

One of the week's highlights had students working in small groups to compete in a cross-country ski event, where they answered questions and zig-zagged across the room to reach their next challenge. The activity encouraged both collaboration and individual accountability, as teammates worked together to move through the course while demonstrating their mastery of the unit's key concepts.

The ELA Olympics spanned the entire week and included both sixth grade classrooms, giving all students the chance to participate in a variety of Olympic-themed activities. By framing academic review as a competitive event, Ms. Holter created an environment where students could reinforce their skills through movement, teamwork, and friendly competition — a strategy well-supported by research on active and game-based learning.

Papillion La Vista Community Schools is committed to fostering creative, student-centered learning environments where academic content comes alive beyond the traditional lecture format. Events like the ELA Olympics reflect the district's dedication to innovative instruction that keeps students motivated and engaged throughout the school year.