I love helping with our school’s annual spelling bee. I think it’s such an important way for kids with academic skills to be recognized. We often recognize those who play sports or artistic in some way, but the really good readers and spellers often go without recognition for their specialized skill. One way to recognize all participants or the top winners is with this free printable Spelling Bee Award Certificate.
I won third place in the sixth grade spelling bee many moons ago. I still have the actual trophy. In fact, my youngest son sometimes puts it in his room. I remember being absolutely thrilled to earn third place. I’d never won a trophy before. In our small town, spelling bee winners were recognized in the local newspaper as well. My mom saved the clipping, and you can see me beaming.
Fast forward to today, and spelling bees are somewhat a dying tradition. But they’re so easy for a school to do. At our neighborhood elementary school, grades 4-6 participate. They have class spelling bees, and the top two plus an alternate are selected to participate in the schools big bee. Everyone has the list to study for a month beforehand.
I’ve participated as a judge a few times. We select three every year. One voices the words (which are indicated phonetically on the list to ensure correct pronunciation), one records how the student spells the word, the third verifies that everything was done correctly, making sure the student repeated the word before attempting to spell.
I created this spelling bee award after looking at several online. Many had a cute bee on them and seemed to be for younger children. So I created this in mind with the older child who might want to frame it or keep it as a fond memory of their accomplishments.
I hope school spelling bees continue. Perhaps your school is preparing to have theirs. Feel free to use this free printable award certificate. Make as many copies as needed. No commercial use.
Have you organized or helped with a spelling bee? Please share your tips and ideas in the comments.
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