To this day, I remember my first experience with school-based spelling tests.

I was in lower primary, either Class 2 or 3, when our class was introduced to daily oral spelling tests. Much to my delight, I discovered that I was good at spelling. However, I also realised not everyone in my class enjoyed spelling as much as I did. It was a great relief to many when the tests stopped.

In today’s technologically-advanced world, one may think knowing how to spell is an unnecessary skill. After all, what is spell check for?

Spelling is something many of us take for granted. Anyone who’s been to school is expected to be able to spell. Yet many educated adults confess they struggle with spelling. What this shows is even though we are taught English grammar in school, not much focus is placed on spelling. Catherine Snow et al. summarize the real importance of spelling for reading as follows: “Spelling and reading build and rely on the same mental representation of a word. Knowing the spelling of a word makes the representation of it sturdy and accessible for fluent reading.”
What better way to boost your child’s spelling than in a spelling bee? Here are more reasons why you should encourage your child to take part in spelling bees.

Builds vocabulary and grammar
Your child’s range of words grows with every spelling bee they take part in. They are also able to understand not just a word’s meaning but also how to use it in a sentence.

Builds on knowledge
Spelling looks into more than just the arrangement of letters. It also focuses on the meaning of words. The more words learned, the easier it becomes to identify new words, how to pronounce them and their meaning.

Boosts memory
They say a good mind needs exercise. Spelling bees often require a child to learn a string of words at a time, which is a good memory booster.

Boosts confidence
There’s nothing like standing in front of an audience to show you how confident you really are. Children learn how to present themselves, accept correction when wrong and applause when correct, when they participate in spelling bees.

Creates healthy competitive spirit
Spelling bees are a great way to learn from each other, even when someone is ‘losing’.

Enhances cognitive skills
Some of the cognitive skills learned through spelling bees include learning how to cope with pressure and be self-disciplined.

For this reason, and many more, I am pleased that the upcoming Storymoja Festival is holding a spelling bee. It all works in tandem with helping children be better readers and increase our society’s affinity for books.

Sadly, registration for participating in the spelling bee has already closed. Do still bring along your child on Saturday, 30th September to cheer on their age mates, build their vocabulary and have a great time!