Spelling Bees are mentally challenging and require focus, practice and determination. While Spelling Bee competitions have been around for the last 150 years, this event found its way to Pakistan on a national level in the year 2004 when Dawn initiated its popular National Spelling Bee. Over the years, the interest and enthusiasm for the Spelling Bee has gained impetus and schools and students await the annual competition with expectations and excitement.

If you are interested in becoming a good speller and representing your school at the Bee then here are a few tips which will help prepare you for what lies ahead.

BEFORE THE BEE

Where to start For a competition of staggering proportions like the Spelling Bee, one cannot expect to prepare overnight. Even a few weeks are not enough. For schools that wish to enter their students, it is wise to encourage the smart spellers from each age level to begin preparing at the beginning of the academic year so that when the competition is announced, they have already mastered the word list and can focus on revision and coordination among the members.

Some schools even have Spelling Bee clubs which help prepare the students throughout the year or have internal Spelling Bee contests to prepare and polish students.

To motivate students, watching movies like Akeelah and the Bee and videos of previous Bees will help you know what to expect. Viewing such videos helps visualise the actual contest and review the strategy of other spellers and learn from their errors.

Knowing all the words Usually Spelling Bee contests have recommended spell lists for each age level which must be mastered. However, one should not simply depend on these lists and must try to become acquainted with different word lists which are present online and peruse dictionaries and newspapers. Being an avid reader and having command over the language will ensure your confidence at the contest.

In the USA, spellers refer to the annual study list called Paideia (from the Greek word meaning education and culture), boasting 4,100 words. This list was shortened in 2006 and 2009, entitled Spell It!, having 1155 words (911 basic words and 244 challenge words).

A Consolidated Word List, of 24,000 words, is also available online comprising all words used in the US National Bee as far back as 1950 classified into three sections Words appearing infrequently, Words appearing with moderate frequency and Words appearing frequently.

Knowing all about the word Thorough perusal of the word list is imperative, along with knowing the meaning of the words, its origin and its usage. This helps one enhance one's vocabulary and aids in identifying the exact word being asked on the day of the competition.

“Sometimes the pronouncers have unfamiliar accents and so it is difficult to discern which word they are talking about. Sometimes, certain words are pronounced in the same way but are spelt differently,” says 13-year-old Fatema, who has been representing her school in the Spelling Bee for the last two years. “The only way to verify what word is being talked about, is by asking the meaning.”

It is imperative that teachers and parents help prepare the students by familiarising them with the correct pronunciation of the words. Pay attention to pronunciation guides in dictionaries and practise saying words correctly by saying the words aloud and recognising the number of syllables. Audio pronunciation software available online can also help the students in the preparation.

Revising at every possible time Preparing for a Spelling Bee means becoming acquainted with hundreds of words, remembering their spelling and meanings — so much so that when a word is pronounced the speller is able to visualise it. For this mastery, spellers have to constantly revise their lengthy word list and think of various drills to prepare and practise repeatedly.

Drills can be done by creating lists of 10 or 20 spelling words according to a theme, and taking turns spelling the words with your team mates. Highlighting or marking incorrectly spelt words, or most commonly misspelled words can help during revision. There are spelling practice exercises available online to provide you a strategy to learn words systematically. Family members and friends can help by randomly quizzing the speller at all times so that the practice continues unabated, because practice does make perfect!

ON THE D-DAY

Controlling your nerves It is but natural to be nervous and excited on the day of the contest. There is the dual pressure of stage fright along with the stress of remembering a myriad of spellings. But a mature speller will make an effort to remain level-headed and calm, and concentrate on the task at hand. Take a deep breath before you answer and take your time.

Being acquainted with the rules A good speller will go to a Spelling Bee contest knowing the rules perfectly and being mentally prepared as to what is expected of him or her. If new rules have been introduced, be sure to understand them carefully and if there is any confusion, clear it before the contest begins.

Being alert Being alert is a prerequisite of a good speller. On the day of the contest, it is vital to stay focussed and listen to the word carefully, comprehend the rules and dig through your memory bank for the correct spelling. Any wavering in attention can result in a slip of the tongue which can be the end of your role at the Spelling Bee. Focus, hear the word clearly and then visualise it before you spell it!

Asking questions During a Bee, the pronouncer initially only says the word to be spelled. Do not be afraid to ask questions. A serious speller will ask for parts of speech, definitions and alternate pronunciations to be certain that he or she is thinking of the right word. If the word is unfamiliar to the speller, the next items to request are other definitions and parts of speech and the word's use in a sentence and its origin.

On the day of the competition, be sure to hear the word being pronounced. If you are unable to comprehend the word being asked, do not hesitate to ask questions in the given time until you are sure of the word being asked.

The spirit of the Bee At the end of the day, every speller wants to be able to do their best. It is indeed a matter of great pride to be able to represent one's school and all participants should be proud, whether they win or lose.

The objective of this contest is not just to improve and advance the skills associated with good spelling habits but also to expand vocabulary and encourage accurate word usage and pronunciation. Such contests help develop poise and communication, and challenge youngsters to handle pressure. It is a great exercise for the community to meet and share and nurture a healthy spirit of learning.