Everything you need to organize a spelling bee, from choosing words and setting rules to running inclusive formats that keep every student engaged.
SJ
SpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: March 30, 2026
A spelling bee is one of the most effective ways to motivate students to study vocabulary. Whether you are organizing a classroom bee for 25 students or a school-wide competition with 200 participants, the core mechanics are the same: pick the right words, establish clear rules, and create a format where every student feels included.
There are three main formats to choose from. A traditional oral bee follows the Scripps National Spelling Bee model: one student at a time, elimination on a miss. A team-based bee groups students into teams of three or four, letting them confer before spelling. A written bee has all students spell simultaneously on paper, scored by total correct answers. Most successful school bees combine written qualifying rounds with an oral championship round.
Choosing words by grade level is critical. First and second graders should spell from high-frequency word lists (Dolch or Fry). Third through fifth graders can handle the Scripps School Spelling Bee Study List, which is published free each year. Middle schoolers benefit from words with Latin and Greek roots, where etymology study becomes part of the preparation.
For judging, follow the Scripps standard: a pronouncer reads the word, the speller may request a definition, language of origin, or a sentence. The speller says the word, spells it letter by letter, and says it again. Once a letter is spoken, it cannot be changed. Designate a head judge whose rulings are final, and agree on a reference dictionary (Merriam-Webster Unabridged) before the event begins.
Inclusive bees keep every student engaged throughout the event. Start with a written round so no one is eliminated immediately. Use point-based scoring instead of elimination for younger grades. Offer a consolation round. Provide word lists in advance so students with different learning needs can prepare. The goal is to make spelling practice rewarding, not just competitive.
Below, we have ranked the best apps for spelling bee preparation — tools that help students study word lists, practice under pressure, and build the vocabulary skills they need to compete confidently.
Vocabulary A-Z (formerly VocabularySpellingCity) offers vocabulary and spelling games for K-5 students with classroom management features for teachers. $108/year covers up to 36 students.
Best for - Official Scripps bee word lists by grade
Price - $108/yr (classroom)
Grades - K-5
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android
Pros
✓ 35+ learning games
✓ Strong classroom integration
✓ Teacher dashboard
Cons
✗ Rebranded from VocabularySpellingCity
✗ Requires annual subscription
✗ Classroom-focused pricing
2
SpellingJoy
SpellingJoy is a 100% free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. Unlimited spelling games, unlimited tests, 134+ word lists, custom list creation, and progress tracking - all completely free with no subscriptions and no hidden costs.
Spelling Shed is a UK-based spelling app with gamification features including competitive leagues and rewards. Home subscription $4.99/mo or $29.99/yr for up to 5 students.
Word Wizard features a talking movable alphabet that helps young children learn phonics and spelling. Award-winning app with 140,000+ copies sold to schools.
Best for - Word roots and origins study
Price - $4.99 one-time
Grades - Pre-K-5 (Ages 4-10)
Platforms - iOS, Android, Amazon
Pros
✓ Talking movable alphabet
✓ NYT praised as "Speak N Spell for iPad generation"
✓ Parents Choice Award winner
Cons
✗ Limited to younger ages
✗ Less curriculum alignment
✗ No web version
5
Simplex Spelling
Simplex Spelling uses research-backed methods and is particularly effective for students with learning differences.
Best for - Phonics-based spelling mastery
Price - $5-15/app
Grades - K-5
Platforms - iOS
Pros
✓ Research-backed methodology
✓ Great for special needs students
✓ One-time purchase
Cons
✗ iOS only
✗ Multiple apps to purchase
✗ No web version
6
Squeebles Spelling
Squeebles Spelling Connect offers spelling games with custom word list support. ~£29.99/year ($30-35) for families with up to 4 children. 7-day free trial.
Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform where teachers create live quizzes that students answer on their devices. Over 9 billion cumulative participants. Free basic plan, paid plans from $48/year.
Best for - Live spelling review games for classrooms
Price - Free / $48-72/yr (teacher)
Grades - K-12
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android
Pros
✓ Free basic plan for teachers
✓ Live multiplayer quizzes students love
✓ Huge library of user-created kahoots
Cons
✗ Free plan limited to 10 players
✗ Premium features require paid plans
✗ Can be more game than learning
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Our Verdict
Vocabulary A-Z is the top choice for serious bee preparation because it carries the official Scripps National Spelling Bee word lists organized by grade. If your school participates in the Scripps program, this is the most direct path from study to competition.
For schools that want free preparation without a subscription, SpellingJoy lets teachers create custom word lists matching their bee words and assign practice through games and tests at no cost. Students can practice their exact bee word list as many times as they need.
Spelling Shed adds a competitive element with its league system, which simulates the pressure of a real bee. Word Wizard is especially useful for upper elementary and middle school bees where etymology questions come into play.
For classroom qualifying rounds, Kahoot turns spelling review into a live group game that doubles as a low-stakes selection round. Pair it with a written test for a fair two-stage qualifier.
Ready to help your students prepare? SpellingJoy is 100% free with unlimited custom word lists, spelling games, and tests. Create your bee word list and start practicing today. Try SpellingJoy free.
The SpellingJoy team is dedicated to creating free, high-quality spelling resources for K-6 students and their families. We test every app we review and provide honest assessments to help parents make informed decisions.
