How to Run a Spelling Bee: Complete Guide (2026)

In a standard oral spelling bee, a pronouncer reads the word, the speller may ask for a definition, language of origin, alternate pronunciations, or for the word to be used in a sentence. The speller then says the word, spells it letter by letter, and says the word again. Once a letter is spoken it cannot be changed. A misspelled word results in elimination. The Scripps National Spelling Bee publishes a full rulebook each year that most school bees follow.

Start with grade-appropriate word lists. The Scripps National Spelling Bee publishes School Spelling Bee Study List (roughly 450 words) free each year. For classroom bees, pull from your current vocabulary units or use leveled lists from apps like Vocabulary A-Z. Arrange words from easiest to hardest so early rounds move quickly and difficulty ramps up as the field narrows.

Use a written round first so every student participates before anyone is eliminated. Offer team-based formats where small groups collaborate. Provide word lists in advance so students can prepare. Include a consolation round for early eliminations. Some schools use a "spell-off" format where students earn points per correct word rather than being eliminated, so everyone stays engaged the entire event.

For a class of 20-30 students, plan for 8-12 rounds. Start with two written rounds to narrow the field to 10-12 finalists, then switch to oral rounds. Each oral round should have one word per student. If only two spellers remain after round 10, use a championship round of three words each to determine the winner.

You need a pronouncer (who reads the words), a judge panel (two or three people to rule on correct/incorrect spellings), a printed word list with definitions and sentences, a bell or buzzer for eliminations, a timer for optional time limits, numbered cards or name tags for contestants, and a quiet venue with a microphone if the audience is large.

In an oral bee, students spell words out loud one at a time and are eliminated on a miss. In a written bee, all students write their answers simultaneously and are scored on total correct. Many organizers combine both: a written qualifying round to narrow the field, followed by an oral championship round for the top spellers.

Yes. Apps like SpellingJoy let you create custom word lists and have students practice them through games and tests before the bee. Kahoot can run live group spelling reviews. Vocabulary A-Z has official Scripps word lists. For the actual bee event, most organizers still use a pronouncer and judges, but apps are excellent for preparation and classroom qualifying rounds.

Designate a head judge whose decisions are final. Use a dictionary agreed upon before the event (Merriam-Webster Unabridged is the Scripps standard). If a speller claims they said a different letter than what the judges heard, the judges' ruling stands. Post the rules visibly before the bee starts so all participants and parents understand the process.