HOW TO RUN AN ENGLISH SPELLING

BEE

Peter Sokolowsky

Sylvia Benavid

esRegio Contry

Noah Webster (1758-1843)The first person to write a dictionary of American English.Through his spelling book taught millions of American children to read for the first half-century of the republic and millions more for the following half-century

WHAT DOES SPELLING BEE MEAN? Spelling bees are an American educational

tradition. They provide an easy and active way to focus on vocabulary.

A good bee follows straightforward rules and practices which are often neglected or confused in local and school-level competitions; the correct organization of a bee is essential to an event that is fair and fun.

The following will address the three most common mistakes made in running an English spelling bee.

SPELLING BEE CHECKLIST A dictionary in case of dispute A pronouncer to read words, definitions

and sample sentences to spellers. A judge (at least one, and up to three)

to check spellings against the word list. A stopwatch and a designated person to

keep time. A bell or buzzer to indicate a

misspelling. A recording device to record the event

in case of dispute (optional).

3 SPELLING BEE DISASTERS

DISASTER 1. NOT ENOUGH WORDS

What should the word list consist of?The list shows each word with its

pronunciation, definition and a sample sentence.

Where do the words come from?Select words from a dictionary that is

appropriate to the age and ability of the spellers.

Avoid words with alternate spellings and variant pronunciations.

How many is enough?One word per speller per round (gradual

reduction of words toward the last rounds).

How difficult should the words be?Plan for spellers 'success in the first round.

For later rounds difficulty should be adjusted according to time and ability.

What if the bee goes too long?Adjust to a more difficult round if no

speakers are eliminated two rounds in a row. Always have a “championship round” of difficult words.

DISASTER 2. UNCLEAR RULES

Conduct the spelling bee in rounds. Establish a time limit (for example 2

minutes) for each speller (optional) Clearly explain what the speller may ask

of the pronouncer.

Describe the elimination procedure for each round, including the final round.

Demonstrate a correct spelling and an incorrect spelling immediately before the spelling bee begins.

DISASTER 3. LACK OF ORDER

Insist on silence (from spellers and audience) during the spelling of words.

Seat spellers in spelling order. The next speller should stand and wait

nearby in a designated spot. Spellers return to their seats after

correctly spelling a word. Spellers sit in a different area after

incorrectly spelling a word.

SPELLER MAY USE VISUAL TECHNIQUES …. such as writing gestures on their

hand , arm, or name card.

Speller may start over but cannot change any spelling already spoken

PRONOUNCER´S ROLE Speak clearly Be consistent Remain calm Repeat a word if asked If a word is misspelled, say “The correct

spelling is….”

PRONOUNCER´S ROLE FOR ADVANCED BEES Identify homophones Respond to spellers 'request for:• definition• word history• example sentence

Ensure the speller repeats the word correctly.

JUDGES 'ROLE Time with a stopwatch, starting when

pronouncer first speaks the word. Ensure the pronouncer pronounces the

word correctly. Encourage spellers to repeat the word

correctly. Listen for exact letters given by the

speaker.

FINAL ROUNDS Procedure 1 If all spellers but one misspell in a single

round, the winner is declared OR Rounds of two until one speller mispells; the winner is declared.

Procedure 2 If all spellers but one misspell in a single

round, what follows is a single round of ONE speller;

If the word is correctly spelled, the winner is declared If the word is misspelled, another round

is conducted including ALL spellers from the previous round in their original order.