Having a spelling bee

A spelling bee is a group activity that provides a fun way for participants to practice spelling.

Usually a spelling bee is a spelling contest in which each contestant is eliminated as soon as he misspells a word. However, there are many variations of a spelling bee. Adapt these to suit your participants and situation.

Here are some guidelines to follow when you have a spelling bee:

• Be careful that the spelling bee activity does not intimidate participants. Do not use a competitive spelling bee if participants

  • are from a noncompetitive culture, or
  • are uncomfortable when singled out in a group.
• Speak clearly.
• Repeat the spelling word as necessary.
• Begin with easy words and progress to more difficult ones.

1. Dictate the spelling word.
2. Give participants time to write the word.
3. Have participants compare or discuss among themselves how to spell the word.
4. Write the word correctly on the blackboard so all participants can copy it correctly.
5. Begin with easy words and progress to more difficult ones.

1. Select 8-10 participants to stand in front of the class.
2. Dictate a spelling word.
3. Have the first participant try to spell the word.
4. Did the participant spell the word correctly?

   • If yes:

     • The participant remains at the front of the line.
     • Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the next participant.

   • If no:

     • The participant sits down.
     • Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the next participant, using the same word.
5. Write each word on the chalkboard as it is spelled correctly.
6. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until only one participant remains standing. That person is the winner.

• Developing spelling skills

• Task module: Having a spelling bee
• In task module: Developing spelling skills
• In task module: Developing literacy skills, by Martha A. Lane (contributor), Delle P. Matthews (contributor), Leah B. Walter (contributor), Glenys Waters (contributor), Anne Klaassens (editor), and Trudy K. Stewart (editor, contributor)
• In task module: Teaching people to read and write, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)
• In task module: Implementing a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)
• In modular book: Implement a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler) and Leah B. Walter (compiler)
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 16 March 1999

© 1999 SIL International