Spelling Bee Preparation Tips for Middle Schoolers: Helping Your Child Build Confidence One Word at a Time
In the 19th-century, the spelling bee became the cornerstone of public education. Spelling competitions served multiple purposes before textbooks existed. Teachers could use these competitions to evaluate students’ reading and language progress. It provided competition among students as well as social leveling.
Spelling bees were found in the evenings at community buildings, bringing together all ages. In 1925, the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper sponsored the first national spelling competition, the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This competition still exists today, continuing to encourage students in various grades to compete.
Finding the Right Spelling Bee Lists
Middle School is the ideal time to strengthen vocabulary, confidence, and critical thinking. Preparing for a spelling bee provides students with effective study habits because students can’t just memorize hundreds of words. Instead, having an organized Spelling Bee List to study will help. Create lists using Spelling List Generator or Spelling-Words-Well. These lists should include:
- 120 common misspelled words
- Grade level appropriate lists
- Progress from easier words to advanced
- Language origin (Latin, French, Greek, German)
- Definitions to also learn while studying
Strategies Used by Successful Scripps Spelling Bee Competitors
Being a great speller does not automatically mean you have good grades in school or an exceptional memory. Successful competitors use the following strategies by studying:
- Word roots
- Prefixes
- Pronunciation patterns
- Meanings and parts of speech
How to Prepare for a Spelling Bee
Studying for a spelling bee is not just memorizing long lists of words. It is best to practice with confidence and focus while studying. Set small achievable goals such as 10-15 words a day. Students should consider using the “Say, Spell, Say” method, set a timer to practice spelling words correctly in 60 seconds, or use flashcards. Create a daily routine of practicing 20 minutes for the best results, which also includes reviewing words.
Make Spelling Practice Engaging
Help your student find engaging ways to study spelling words to prepare for a spelling bee. Using these words in context throughout the day will help them remember them. Consider fun ways such as word games, mobile apps, and writing stories using vocabulary words to also learn their words. Check out these “Bee” resources as well to help your child study.
Although it is exciting to win, every spelling bee is an opportunity for growth. Celebrate with your child progress and consistency as they work towards each competition. As a family, practice together and make this experience fun for everyone!