By Julianna Dotten
1. Focus on Spelling.
Let’s admit it. Sometimes in the bustle of trying to fit in math and science and history and government and … it can be hard to find time for spelling. And sometimes a deadline can really help, especially for homeschoolers! If you haven’t done much formal spelling up to this point, a spelling bee might be a great way to dust off those old spelling books and look at the subject in a new light.
2. Study Together.
The CHEC Spelling Bee can be a family affair! Any grades up through 8th are welcome to participate. Even if the younger ones don’t catch everything, they will remember more than you might expect. Check out spellingbee.com for some ways to make studying fun.
3. Compete regionally.
Winners of the CHEC Spelling Bee have the privilege of competing in the Denver Post Spelling Bee. And for the state winners, The National Scripps Spelling Bee awaits!
4. Meet Other Homeschoolers.
The CHEC Spelling Bee is a positive way to connect with other homeschoolers in your area. In addition to the competition itself, consider forming a spelling study group with your local homeschool co-op or just a group of friends. Why not share this post with other local homeschoolers and get the word out?
5. Have Fun!
Of course. Isn’t that what homeschooling is about anyway: cultivating a love of learning? Don’t let your kids harbor memories of dry spelling lessons. If you have to learn it, why not do it the fun way? Here at CHEC, we’ve done our best to make the Spelling Bee a fun, positive experience for all.
Ready to begin?
I enjoyed watching the CHEC Spelling Bee several years ago, and at it met some relatives of the 1979 National Spelling Bee winner Katie Kerwin. I also was in the 1979 National Spelling Bee, which was the beginning of some years of the Bee being dominated by the Western states. A few years ago I wrote an article based on my personal experience, on myths about the spelling bee: https://hubpages.com/literature/national-spelling-bee.
My conclusion: spelling bees are fun and generate attention way out of proportion to their importance. But for a bee with lifelong use, try the Bible Bee!