Sixth graders at Ellis Middle School were unusually quiet Wednesday.

No one spoke unless they were spoken to by an adult. When students were addressed, they would have to stand and acknowledge the adult by name before answering.

From 7:55 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. sixth graders got a taste of what it would be like to not have freedom of speech. No one was allowed to speak freely, except during lunch.

Those who made a peep were sent to the auditorium to do extra schoolwork until the end of the day.

No Speech Day was part of Freedom Week for the sixth grade class. Starting Monday, sixth graders have been studying their rights and privileges as an American citizen -- and how they can be taken away.

"We have Freedom Week to try to take a look a our rights and responsibilities," said Cheryl Dunlap, a sixth grade social studies teacher.

Of the 368 sixth graders, about 80 broke their silence and were escorted to the auditorium, Dunlap said. Most of the students made innocent mistakes, she added. Some said "excuse me" after bumping into someone. Another student asked a classmate if they needed to hand in their notebooks.

"Most of them were really trying," Dunlap said.

If the students made it through the whole day without speaking, they earned 50 points. Those who didn't, received only 25.

In Dunlap's last social studies class of the day, about five students were missing. Those that made it had varied opinions about their day of silence.

Some students said they liked having to stay quiet because it helped them concentrate. Others said it was frustrating.

"I felt really, really bored without talking," Mike Hoeper said.

Some classmates disagreed.

"I feel like I could do that everyday," said Leihla Wachlin, "because you get a lot more work done and nothing was distracting you."

Not talking had its challenges. The seventh and eighth graders tried to get some sixth graders to talk.

"They say, 'Hi sixth grader, let's talk,'" Nina Onhsee said.

When they were able to speak again, the students said they felt relief, but others said it wasn't too hard.

"We have our freedom back," Onhsee said.

This is the second year the sixth grade class has had Freedom Days. It was started last year in conjunction with a local essay contest about freedom in light of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. When the students were surveyed about the week, almost of them said they enjoyed it. The school planned this year's week in conjunction with a dessert theater program called "Sing my country tis of thee," which will be held today at 4 and 6 p.m.

"That's how it got in this week," Dunlap said. "Little did we know when we were planning this we'd be at war."

The students are collecting supplies for the 101st Airborne Division, which is fighting in Iraq. They also are writing letters to the troops in their English classes. On Friday, they will present care packages to KAAL TV, which is following the division in its newscasts.

On Monday, the students heard a local veteran speak about the American flag, the color guard and how to fold a flag. Sheriff Terese Amazi spoke to the students Tuesday about what rights are taken away from citizens when they break the law. On Friday, students will hear an exchange student's perspective on freedom.

"I think the activities throughout the week are very good," Dunlap said.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com