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The Scripps Spelling Bee challenges students across the United States to spell complex words every spring. This annual competition, typically held the Tuesday to Thursday after Memorial Day, aims to improve spelling, build vocabulary, and promote proper English usage. Join in by practicing your own spelling, supporting local spellers, and tuning into the national finals!
Want to sponsor Scripps Spelling Bee? Learn how
Expected Scripps Spelling Bee Deals
As a celebration of academic achievement, the Scripps Spelling Bee inspires various educational promotions. Look for special offers on study guides, vocabulary apps, and reference books from retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Educational software companies such as Kaplan and Chegg may offer discounts on their learning platforms. Some local bookstores might host spelling-themed events or offer incentives for young readers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.
Platform Guide for Scripps Spelling Bee
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ScrippsSpellingBee. Share insights on language education or highlight past champions.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #ScrippsSpellingBee. Follow live updates from the competition and share your predictions.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ScrippsSpellingBee. Post photos of students studying or behind-the-scenes moments from local bees.
Scripps Spelling Bee Hero
E.W. Scripps
History of Scripps Spelling Bee
The National Spelling Bee started in 1925 to promote literacy across the country. Nine newspapers hosted the first spelling bee. 90 years later, the literacy efforts have reached an estimated 11 million students every year now. The first National Spelling Bee was won by Frank Neuhauser; his successful spelling of the word “gladiolus” earned him the title.
The spelling bee has taken place every year except during World War II in the years 1943 to 1945, and in 2020 due to the global pandemic. In 1941, the rights to the national program were acquired by the E.W. Scripps Company. The bee is hosted on a non-profit basis by the company at a convention center or hotel in Washington, D.C. The dates for the spelling bee change every year, but it is always in the week following Memorial Day Weekend.
The spelling bee competition is open to all students who have not passed the eighth grade and turned 15 years old. Ineligible candidates also include students who have won the National Spelling Bee previously. The goal of the event is educational; to develop vocabulary in children, encourage correct usage, and promote the English language.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the longest-running educational program in the country, organized by the E.W. Scripps Company and sponsored by 291 partners in the United States, Canada, Guam, Jamaica, Ghana, and Puerto Rico, New Zealand, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
Scripps Spelling Bee timeline
The first-ever National Spelling Bee takes place this year.
The time limit for spelling a word is reduced to two minutes, putting more pressure on the participants.
The national trophy for the Spelling Bee is introduced and designed by Ohio-based Rookwood Pottery.
Zaila Avant-garde makes history as the first African American and the first Louisiana speller to win the Bee.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Scripps Spelling Bee
Local businesses, especially those in education or retail, can honor the Scripps Spelling Bee by hosting mini-bees for children or offering special discounts on educational materials. Bookstores can create themed displays, while tutoring centers can promote their vocabulary-building programs. Encourage employees to volunteer at local school competitions or sponsor a student’s journey to the national finals, demonstrating a commitment to community and learning.
Scripps Spelling Bee FAQs
When is Scripps Spelling Bee?
In 2027, the Scripps Spelling Bee will take place from Tuesday, June 1 to Thursday, June 3, continuing its tradition of academic excellence and intense competition.
How many students participate in the Scripps Spelling Bee?
The Scripps National Spelling Bee typically sees around 200-300 spellers reach the national finals, selected from millions of participants nationwide.
What is the prize for winning the Scripps Spelling Bee?
Beyond the substantial cash prize, the 2027 winner will also earn a collection of reference books, a commemorative medal, and national recognition for their linguistic prowess.
What is the history of the Scripps Spelling Bee?
Originally known as the National Spelling Bee, it was acquired by the E.W. Scripps Company in 1941, giving it its current name and expanding its reach to millions of students across the country.
Scripps Spelling Bee Activities
Sign up for the Spelling Bee
Eligible students can sign up for this year’s Spelling Bee. It is a great opportunity worth participating in.
Watch the National Spelling Bee
Footage is available online of past Spelling Bees and the winners. You can learn more about the event by watching its videos. If you know someone that’s entering, cheer them on!
Host your own spelling bee
If you cannot participate in the National Spelling Bee, you can have your own spelling bee at school or home. Invite friends and family to join in!
5 Facts About The National Spelling Bee
The words for the spelling bee
The Bee has worked with Merriam-Webster for 50 years to bring unique and interesting words to the participating spellers.
The official dictionary for the Bee
Merriam-Webster Unabridged is the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
There is a Bee book club
The Bee’s Bookshelf is a monthly book club for everyone.
The rules were stricter before
Before 2004, a speller had to pronounce the given word correctly before the judges allowed them to spell it.
What the Bee means
The “Bee” in the National Spelling Bee refers to a gathering, not the insect.
Why We Love Scripps Spelling Bee
Promoting literacy
The National Spelling Bee has been promoting literacy, vocabulary, and education since 1925. Hence they have been elevating standards of literacy in their own way.
Learning made fun
The National Spelling Bee is fun, and its competitive nature makes it a great experience, rather than monotonously learning. We love it for this reason!
Building the foundation of children
The words the participating spellers learn for the Bee, as well as the experience gained through it, will stay with them for life. Watch this year, and maybe add some words to your vocabulary!
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