1. Peter Sokolowsky

2. Noah Webster (1758-1843) The first person to write a dictionary of American English. Through his spelling book taught millions of American children to read for the first half-century of the republic and millions more for the following half- century

3.  Spelling bees are an American educational tradition. They provide an easy and active way to focus on vocabulary.  A good bee follows straightforward rules and practices which are often neglected or confused in local and school-level competitions; the correct organization of a bee is essential to an event that is fair and fun.  The following will address the three most common mistakes made in running an English spelling bee.

4.  A dictionary in case of dispute  A pronouncer to read words, definitions and sample sentences to spellers.  A judge (at least one, and up to three) to check spellings against the word list.  A stopwatch and a designated person to keep time.  A bell or buzzer to indicate a misspelling.  A recording device to record the event in case of dispute (optional).

7.  What should the word list consist of? The list shows each word with its pronunciation, definition and a sample sentence.  Where do the words come from? Select words from a dictionary that is appropriate to the age and ability of the spellers. Avoid words with alternate spellings and variant pronunciations.

8.  How many is enough?  One word per speller per round (gradual reduction of words toward the last rounds).  How difficult should the words be?  Plan for spellers 'success in the first round. For later rounds difficulty should be adjusted according to time and ability.

9.  What if the bee goes too long?  Adjust to a more difficult round if no speakers are eliminated two rounds in a row. Always have a “championship round” of difficult words.

10.  Conduct the spelling bee in rounds.  Establish a time limit (for example 2 minutes) for each speller (optional)  Clearly explain what the speller may ask of the pronouncer.

11.  Describe the elimination procedure for each round, including the final round.  Demonstrate a correct spelling and an incorrect spelling immediately before the spelling bee begins.

12.  Insist on silence (from spellers and audience) during the spelling of words.  Seat spellers in spelling order.  The next speller should stand and wait nearby in a designated spot.  Spellers return to their seats after correctly spelling a word.  Spellers sit in a different area after incorrectly spelling a word.

13.  …. such as writing gestures on their hand, arm, or name card.

14.  Speller may start over but cannot change any spelling already spoken

15.  Speak clearly  Be consistent  Remain calm  Repeat a word if asked  If a word is misspelled, say “The correct spelling is….”

16. FOR ADVANCED BEES  Identify homophones  Respond to spellers 'request for: definition word history example sentence  Ensure the speller repeats the word correctly.

17.  Time with a stopwatch, starting when pronouncer first speaks the word.  Ensure the pronouncer pronounces the word correctly.  Encourage spellers to repeat the word correctly.  Listen for exact letters given by the speaker.

18.  Procedure 1  If all spellers but one misspell in a single round, the winner is declared OR  Rounds of two until one speller mispells; the winner is declared.

19.  Procedure 2  If all spellers but one misspell in a single round, what follows is a single round of ONE speller;  If the word is correctly spelled, the winner is declared  If the word is misspelled, another round is conducted including ALL spellers from the previous round in their original order.