Spelling Bee Preparation Tips for Students and Parents

• The definition of the word.
• The part of speech: noun, verb, adjective.
• The language of origin.
• The word used in a sentence.
• Alternate pronunciations.
• The root or etymology, if available.
• A repeat of the word.

Learning to ask the right questions is a major advantage. Language of origin is especially helpful because spelling patterns vary by origin.

Why word origins matter

Spelling patterns often reflect where a word comes from:

• Greek: ph for /f/, ch for /k/, y as a vowel, rh, ps. Examples: philosophy, chorus, rhythm, psychology.
• Latin: endings like -tion, -ible, -ent, -ance. Examples: transmission, permissible.
• French: -eau, -ette, -que, -eur, silent final letters. Examples: bureau, cigarette, technique, chauffeur.
• German: sch, ei/ie, double consonants. Examples: schnitzel, poltergeist.
• Italian: final vowels and cc, gli. Examples: broccoli, espresso.
• Spanish: -ado, ñ-related patterns. Examples: tornado, mosquito.
• Japanese: simple syllables ending in vowels. Examples: tsunami, karaoke.

Learning a few such patterns cuts down the number of words you need to memorise.

Study routine

1. Work from a word list provided by the organisers, if there is one.
2. Study a few words a day, not a large batch once a week.
3. Look up each word: meaning, part of speech, origin and example sentence.
4. Say the word, spell it aloud, and say it again.
5. Write it out from memory.
6. Review missed words more often.
7. Practise with a partner, in a bee-like setting.

Prefixes, suffixes and roots

Knowing prefixes, suffixes and roots helps you spell words you've never seen before. Misspell has mis- plus spell, so two ss.

Handling nerves

• Practise on stage-like conditions: standing up, speaking clearly, spelling aloud.
• Take a breath before starting.
• Ask questions to buy thinking time.
• Don't rush. Say the word again at the end, before spelling, if the rules allow.
• Accept mistakes. Every speller misses words.

For parents

• Make practice short and fun.
• Play games and quiz in the car.
• Praise effort and progress.
• Read together, and talk about interesting words.

Beyond the bee

The habit of looking closely at words, their origins and patterns, will help with reading and writing for life.

Practice

Choose five unusual words, look up their origins, and identify the spelling pattern each one follows.

Look up meanings, origins and examples with English Dictionary →