The Dictionary Marathon and Spelling Contests are some of the activities sponsored by the Centre for Applied Linguistics in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to promote the correct use of the Spanish language in primary schoolchildren. The Marathon mainly aims at training students in rapidly searching words in the dictionary. To achieve this, individual search is timed using a digital chronometer so as to determine the students´ speed level.
On the other hand, computer-aided activities have been included in Spelling Contests. Students are given a dictation they have to write on the computer, immediately appearing on a large screen where results are also displayed. This is quite stimulating for participants and the general public. These activities are held to commemorate April 23rd, which marks the Spanish Language Day. (April 2011)
