It is extremely important to study every day leading up to the spelling bee.
Just like practicing for a sport, spelling bees require lots of time, effort and concentration. Spelling bee contestants spend much of their time in and out of school learning and studying new words.
There are a few techniques you can do to prepare for a sixth-grade spelling bee, such as mastering the words for your grade level, learning the words for the grade levels above and below you, working several short study sessions into your day and calming your nerves before the big day arrives.
Instructions
1. Learn the 100 words for the sixth-grade level as listed by the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Most school-wide and district-level spelling bees are just lower levels of the national spelling bee. Ask your teacher or the coordinator of the spelling bee at your school to get the list of 100 words for you, which they can do by logging on the Scripps National Spelling Bee website and downloading it. Study these words and until you can recite the spelling of each with no problems or hesitation.
2. Ask your teacher or the spelling bee coordinator at your school to download and give you the spelling lists for all of the grade levels. You will most likely know how the spell all of the words under the sixth-grade level but it never hurts to look over them again. Study the word lists for the seventh- and eight-grade levels because there is a good chance many of your spelling words will come from these lists as you advance in the spelling bee.
3. Visit websites, such as Spell It by Merriam-Webster or Word Buff, both of which offer a wide range of spelling words for different levels, word games and puzzles and have interviews and tips from past spelling bee champions. Your studying time might be limited but it is a good idea to learn spell as many words as you possibly can. The more words you learn the better chance you have of advancing in the bee.
4. Carry your word lists or a dictionary with you wherever you go. There are many times during the day that you can squeeze in a quick study session, such as on the car/bus ride to and from school, in a waiting room at the doctor's office or during a recess or study hall. Word lists and a dictionary are also convenient to have around if you are having trouble remembering spell a particular word, because you can look it up immediately and correct yourself.
5. Look at the words you are trying to spell. When studying you might be tempted to "quiz" yourself quickly and try to spell words without looking at them. Many people are visual learners, however, and it helps them to actually see the words they are learning spell. This might help you be able to visualize and "see" the word you are trying to spell when you are up on stage, the clock is ticking and the pressure is on.
6. Learn to calm your nerves. Spelling bees are a lot like acting in a play or giving a public speech--you are on stage in front of a large crowd of people with bright lights shining on you. If you get nervous about public speaking or being up in front of large crowds, practice anti-anxiety techniques, such as meditating and deep breathing to help yourself focus and calm your nerves.
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