Insider Tips for Your Upcoming Spelling Contest
Spelling bee contests are a fun way to learn and compete at the same time. Whether you are running for a contest yourself or tutoring a student, here are some insider tricks and tips that can get you through some challenging rounds -
1. The key to making it through the many rounds of a spelling bee contest is to stay calm and focused. No matter how much hard work you may have put into the competition, make sure you relax on the big day.
2. When you are asked a word, consider writing it invisibly on your hand, especially if you are not familiar with it. Pretending like you are writing it on a piece of paper allows you gain clarity on your answer.
3. Do not deter from asking for a sentence or origin. Many times, your place in the spelling bee quiz depends on this.
4. If you are having a tough time remembering the word, request the moderators for a definition. This will help buy some extra time.
5. If the organizers of the spelling contest provide you with a list of likely words that may be asked, do not ignore it. Divide these words and go through a certain number of words every day. Make a separate list of words that you are having a tough time memorizing.
6. Try to remember if the word that is spelled as it sounds. Understand its origin and pronunciation.
7. Stay prepared for the unexpected. Especially if you wish to participate in reputed contests such as the Times Spelling Bee, you will be expected to be the best of the best.
8. Consider making your own database of words, pronunciations, language or origins, definitions and use of the words in a sentence.
9. With modern technology and the availability of a number of computer games and applications, you can make your study more fun. Instead of staring at a piece of paper all day, play word games and improve your skills.
10. At the spelling be quiz, once the pronouncer gives the word, you are encouraged to pronounce the word before spelling it as well as after spelling it. Though you will not get disqualified for failing to pronounce the words, but doing so can help the judges know that you heard the word correctly and that you are done spelling it.
Finally, there are chances that you may not make it to the final round. While it is natural to feel bad at first, remember to use this loss positively to work harder, learn from your mistakes, tweak your study methods and come back for a second chance next year!
1. The key to making it through the many rounds of a spelling bee contest is to stay calm and focused. No matter how much hard work you may have put into the competition, make sure you relax on the big day.
2. When you are asked a word, consider writing it invisibly on your hand, especially if you are not familiar with it. Pretending like you are writing it on a piece of paper allows you gain clarity on your answer.
3. Do not deter from asking for a sentence or origin. Many times, your place in the spelling bee quiz depends on this.
4. If you are having a tough time remembering the word, request the moderators for a definition. This will help buy some extra time.
5. If the organizers of the spelling contest provide you with a list of likely words that may be asked, do not ignore it. Divide these words and go through a certain number of words every day. Make a separate list of words that you are having a tough time memorizing.
6. Try to remember if the word that is spelled as it sounds. Understand its origin and pronunciation.
7. Stay prepared for the unexpected. Especially if you wish to participate in reputed contests such as the Times Spelling Bee, you will be expected to be the best of the best.
8. Consider making your own database of words, pronunciations, language or origins, definitions and use of the words in a sentence.
9. With modern technology and the availability of a number of computer games and applications, you can make your study more fun. Instead of staring at a piece of paper all day, play word games and improve your skills.
10. At the spelling be quiz, once the pronouncer gives the word, you are encouraged to pronounce the word before spelling it as well as after spelling it. Though you will not get disqualified for failing to pronounce the words, but doing so can help the judges know that you heard the word correctly and that you are done spelling it.
Finally, there are chances that you may not make it to the final round. While it is natural to feel bad at first, remember to use this loss positively to work harder, learn from your mistakes, tweak your study methods and come back for a second chance next year!
