How can you improve your spelling?

The best thing you can do to improve your spelling is to read a lot and look up words that you don’t know in the Oxford dictionary. But here are some more focused suggestions for studying to do well in spelling bees;

  • Learn as many words as you can.
  • Study the most common words first.
  • Focus on the words that are tough.
  • Write the words somewhere. Just writing the words will help you remember them
  • Get a copy of the OXFORD Dictionary if you can. It’s the official dictionary for the Kenya National Spelling Bee Championship.
  • Have a teacher, friend or family member help you by pronouncing the words.
  • Learn more about prefixes, suffixes and other combining forms, as well as word origins (etymology).
  • Increase your vocabulary by reading books, journals & newspapers…
  • Study in groups.
  • Play word games.
  • Step forward (to the microphone, if there is one).
  • Face the judges.
  • Speak clearly and loudly enough so that they can hear you.
  • Use the English alphabet only.
  • Many languages use the Roman alphabet. Do not use the names or sounds of the letters in French or any other language. Doing so will be considered an error.
  • Repeat the word to make sure that you have heard it accurately.
  • Rehearse the word in your mind before you begin spelling.
  • Once you say a letter you are not allowed to take it back, even if you have not finished the word and know it is wrong.
  • When you’ve finished spelling the word, repeat it. That way the judges know you are finished.
  • Take your time.
  • Asking questions is a good stalling tactic if you need more time to think about the spelling.
  • If you spell your word correctly, be humble about it.