Here are some tips for putting together a spelling bee at your school.

Let’s get excited about Spelling!

Step 1

6 months before the Spelling Bee

• Decide who will be in your spelling bee
• Reserve the facility
• Advertise the spelling bee- create flyers
• Reach out to the community for support ( donations/ volunteers)

Step 2

    3 months before the Spelling Bee

• Create the list of words to be used for the spelling bee
• Decide which jobs are needed to run a successful spelling bee- pronouncers, judges, mediator, recorder, MC
• Make a sample list of words available for participants to study from
• Determine the rules of the spelling bee and make them available for all participants
• Decide on awards to be given out- trophy, certificate, medal or gift card

Step 3

    2 months before the Spelling Bee

• Confirm participants,volunteers and facility
• Order awards for all participants
• Review with facility- time allowed in the building, how the sound system works and which rooms may be used
• Make numbers for the participants to wear during the spelling bee

Step 4

    2 weeks before the Spelling Bee

• visit facility-determine how the stage will be set up and learn how to use the sound system/microphone
• create program and have it printed
• Print out word lists and copy them for all pronouncers and judges
• Gather all supplies such as table cloths, pencils, a bell, folders, dry erase board, words in envelopes and place everything in a box
• Remind all volunteers and participants about the spelling bee

Step 5

    Day of the Spelling Bee

• Arrive early to set up, meet with volunteers and make sure that everything is ready to go
• Check sound system/microphone and confirm that all supplies/awards are at the spelling bee
• Review rules with participants before the spelling bee starts
• give out numbers
• Start the spelling bee