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Spelling Bee Preparation - 2009 Regionals
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The following page contains tips and resources for preparation for
the Spelling Bee conducted by NSF. NSF is committed to encourage children to improve
their language skills and encouraging the same. The links below provide some sample
words for the Spelling Bee tests -- please note that these are examples of words and
DO NOT COVER all the words that might come in the tests.
Books & References
1. Spelling Bee Preparation
http://www.myspellit.com/
http://www.spellingbee.com/
2. NSF Online Spelling Bee Game
Since 2003, NSF launched an Online Spelling Bee game. Click
here for more details on the game. Instructions for playing the Spelling
Bee Game, please click
here
4. Merriam-Webster word of the day
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/mwwod.pl
5. Scripps Consolidated Word List
http://www.spellingbee.com/studyzone.asp
6. Nat's NotesTM from Hexco (800-725-2627)
http://www.hexco.com
Note on Consolidated Word List and Nat's Notes :
These references are ONLY for advanced level spelling aspirants.
7. The Spelling Rules Book from Hexco (800-725-2627)
8. Dictionary.com Word of the Day: (C) 2002 by Lexico
Publishing Group, LLC.
http://www.dictionary.com/wordoftheday/
9.For Beginners: 71 Revised "Orton" Phonograms For Correct Spelling
http://www.riggsinst.org
10. Spelling Bee Strategies
(From Building Spelling Skills Grade 2)
LISTEN AND SAY THE WORD CORRECTLY.
• Don't leave out or mispronounce sounds. Write the sounds in the
correct order.
THINK ABOUT WHAT THE WORD LOOKS LIKE.
• Think about how the spelling pattern looks. Write it, look at
it, and decide if it looks correct.
LOOK FOR SMALL WORDS IN SPELLING WORDS.
• e.g. Spin - pin, in Cupcake- cup, cake
USE RHYMING WORDS TO HELP SPELL A WORD.
•If you can spell book, you can spell look.
USE RULES FOR ADDING ENDINGS.
Drop silent e before adding a suffix.
Double the final consonant before adding a suffix.
THINK ABOUT WHAT THE WORD MEANS.
•Some words sound the same, but have different meanings and are
spelled in different ways. Match the spelling with its meaning.
USE OUTSIDE HELP.
•Use charts, banners and lists. Ask someone for help. Use a personal
spelling dictionary.
11. Dr. Tadipatri's TOP TEN TIPS for Spelling Bee:
• Never get discouraged seeing long or tough words and never get
discouraged if one or more words are misspelled in any spelling bee. On
the flip side do not be overconfident if you get the first three or four
words correct. Stay focused during the entire session.
• The spelling bee, like any other academic exercise, is a long
term and steady process. Do not expect overnight results.
• Remember to ask as many questions (that are permitted) as possible
so that you can get to the spelling. Despite all questions, if you cannot
come up with definite answers, try to make a most educated guess, based
on the information. Never be content with a wild guess.
• The meaning of the word is very important. It helps eliminate
the homonyms. It may also help in the formation of the word. If possible,
try to break up the word, based on the meaning and any other information.
•Language origin is another important factor. This tells about the
word formation and its etymology
• Part of speech and sentence usage give a confirmation of the idea
about the word. Sometimes this may even correct the notion one may have
about the word.
• The final goal is to combine 4, 5 and 6 in the spelling preparation.
Try to concentrate on all - meaning, language origin and part of speech.
• Try to follow how others attack the words and implement any good
techniques, you may observe in others. Learn form their mistakes. One
can learn as much from others' mistakes as from others' good techniques.
• For parents, try to be a part of the process and encourage your
children. However, at centers where parents are allowed to watch the kids
in session, please make sure that you do not show immediate reactions
of “Yes!!” or “Oh hoL” as this can spoil the child’s
concentration.
• Have a long term goal and realize that irrespective of winning
a trophy, the knowledge one gains in the process will be a life-long companion.
12.Create your own database!
Another useful suggestion from Govindan family whose children Ramesh and Mallika
have been participants in spelling and vocabulary bees.
"We found it valuable to make a
database of the list words provided for the regional and national competitions
with their definitions, pronunciation, and language of origin, and then study from it.
This way the children not only learned the words but also improved their vocabulary.
We also did the same with the list words for the vocabulary bees. Children themselves
created the databases (i.e., looked up the meanings and typed it into the Excel program),
which provided them additional practice. The task became a lot easier when we installed
the Merriam Webster Dictionary on the computer".
13.Tips during the contest
Make sure the pronouncer fully agrees with your pronunciation of the word.
You can eliminate most misunderstandings right here.
For example: If the pronouncer says ?except' and you say ?accept' he/she
will be able to correct you right away. If you are still unable to get to
the right pronunciation, you can ask for the word to be put in a sentence eliminating discrepancies.
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