Treasure Valley Homeschool Spelling Bee

We have children of all ages in every level each month, and each child typically gets a chance to attempt to spell several words. There is no forcing anyone to participate, although the judicious use of a gentle nudge has sometimes helped a child get up and participate. I approach it in a way that I hope inspires people to spell well, and I have definitely seen my own children be inspired by the experience. The spelling bee, done with levels and kept low key, can be a crucible experience for scholars, inspiration for love of learners, and part of that looking ahead towards what's ahead for children in core.

https://sites.google.com/site/homeschoolspellingbee/ 

The spelling bee is an open event every month. Instead of going by grade level, we use 3 levels for the spelling bee. This allows every child to practice spelling at their level, whatever that might be. We try to keep it pretty low key, because our goal is to inspire good spelling. I have seen quite a bit of motivation result from the once a month opportunity to practice spelling skills in front of others. I have spelling lists available on the spelling bee website, along with a detailed explanation of our goal: to motivate kids to spell well. 

- Melissa Wolfe