The Scripps National Spelling Bee: A Competition of Vocabulary and Vocabulary
The Scripps National Spelling Bee will kick off on May 28 as 245 spellers descend on National Harbor, Maryland, for four days of competition.
Why is it called the Spelling Bee?
According to Merriam-Webster, the word "bee" is an alteration of a word that meant "voluntary help given by neighbors toward the accomplishment of a particular task," and comes from the Middle English word "bene." The word has historically been used to describe group activities or occasions when farmers or neighbors would help each other, such as a "logging bee," "husking bee" or "apple bee."
How do you enter the Spelling Bee competition?
Students attending schools enrolled in the Scripps program are eligible to participate. Spellers usually compete on the classroom level to determine who will participate in the school bee. School bee winners often determine who will advance to a district or county competition, which then feeds into a regional or state bee for a chance to go to the National Spelling Bee competition.
How do contestants prepare for the Scripps Spelling Bee?
Scripps releases an annual list of hundreds of words, split into three levels of difficulty: One bee, Two bee, and Three bee. Once a speller masters the words of the School Spelling Bee Study List, they can tackle the "Words of the Champions" list to prepare for the regional and national spelling bee competitions.
What is the prize money for the Scripps National Spelling Bee?
In addition to bragging rights and a trophy, the champion of the Scripps competition will win $52,500 in cash prizes, and $400 worth of Encyclopedia Britannica works. The other finalists will receive:
- Second place: $25,000
- Third place: $15,000
- Fourth place: $10,000
- Fifth place: $5,000
- Sixth place: $2,500
How to watch the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee
This year’s Spelling Bee will air on the Scripps-owned network ION and stream on ION Plus. The semifinals will air on Wednesday, May 29, at 8 p.m. ET, and the finals will take place on Thursday, May 30, also at 8 p.m. ET.
Conclusion
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is a prestigious competition that has been a staple of American education for nearly a century. With its rich history and challenging words, it continues to attract top spellers from around the country. This year’s competition promises to be just as exciting, with a new crop of talented young spellers vying for the top prize.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Scripps National Spelling Bee?
A: The purpose of the Scripps National Spelling Bee is to identify the top speller in the country and provide a platform for young students to showcase their vocabulary skills.
Q: How do students enter the Spelling Bee competition?
A: Students enter the competition by competing on the classroom level, then advancing to the school bee, and finally, to the national competition.
Q: What is the prize money for the Spelling Bee?
A: The champion of the Scripps competition will win $52,500 in cash prizes, and $400 worth of Encyclopedia Britannica works. Other finalists will receive cash prizes ranging from $25,000 to $2,500.
Q: How can I watch the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee?
A: The competition will air on ION and stream on ION Plus. The semifinals will air on Wednesday, May 29, at 8 p.m. ET, and the finals will take place on Thursday, May 30, also at 8 p.m. ET.
