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AN INTRODUCTION WHO ARE WE? Spelling Bee of Canada (SBOC) is an educational organisation that encourages youth, parents, teachers and the community at large to participate in the education process. WHAT DO WE DO? The SBOC organises annual spelling bees aimed at youth 6-13 years of age. The participants are placed into one of four categories (Primary – ages 6 to 7, Junior - ages 8 to 9, Intermediate – ages 10 to 11 and Senior - ages 12 to 13) and vie for scholarships, trophies and prizes. For 2004 and onwards the age and categories will change. There will be only two categories instead of four, Junior age 5 to 8 and Senior age 9 to 15. WHY DO WE EXIST? The Spelling Bee of Canada was established in response to a need within the community for a stimulating, educational program, outside the regular school curriculum, which would focus specifically on English language basics. The SBOC’s programs are designed to contribute to the development of our youth’s self esteem, creating pride in academic achievement and in the process helping to build a solid foundation for their future education and careers. WHERE DO WE OPERATE? The Spelling Bee of Canada was established in the greater Toronto area in 1987 and lead to the development of an Ontario Spelling Bee. In 1996, Spelling Bee of Canada offered its program for the first time to students from the Ottawa-Carleton and Valley Region, 2001 Hamilton, and Kitchener/Waterloo Region. To date over 25,000 children have participated in the program. HOW DO WE OPERATE? The SBOC is a registered charity (#890470198RR0001) which to date has operated without major public or private funding source. The SBOC depends on local businesses, organisations and individuals to contribute time, materials, services and or/funds. WHAT IS OUR LONG TIME GOAL? With the aid of technology our strategy for growth over the next 3 years is to target all regions within each province to join the program. Once regional programs have been established in all provinces, this will lead to Provincial Champions, which will then compete to become National Champions. Based on extrapolations from the U.S National Spelling Bee data, SBOC’s long term forecast is to attract approximately one million participants across Canada.

SPELLING BEE OF CANADA OFFICES Ottawa Office Head Office 370 Metcalfe Street 2428 Islington Ave Suite G8 Suite 215 Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1S9 Toronto, Ontario M9W 3X8 1-800-774-2298 1-866-244-0244 Tel: 613-233-9582 Tel: 416-746-0072

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Fax: 613-233-6849 Fax: 416-746-3404

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MISSION

Our mission is to:

• Enrich the learning experience of our youth through growth in English vocabulary, public speaking and self-confidence.

• Engage youth, parents, schools, businesses and the community at large in a yearly education process.

GOALS

Our program goals are to:

• provide young people between the ages of 5 and 15 with the opportunity to participate in a positive, non-competitive spelling exchange to improve their English language, spelling capabilities, comprehension and communication skills;

• develop self-esteem, confidence and interpersonal skills of students by exposing them to positive role models, tutors and peer supports throughout the course of the preparation, the championship and year round follow-up activities;

• promote community-based partnerships by engaging members of various communities in advancing the benefits of the Spelling Bee, getting youth involved and promoting the importance of education, especially reading comprehension and spelling;

• build a network of young people who will act as peer mentors for other students; and play a key role in supporting the academic growth of students, especially in the areas of reading comprehension and spelling through collaborative partnerships with libraries, individual schools and community-based educational programs

SPELLING BEE OF CANADA NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Julie Spence President Kal Narayan Director Rob Jarvest Director Angela Royes Director Judge Pamela Appelt Director Claire Lavallee Director Dharma Premakumar Director Neville Nunes Director Sylvia Thomas Director Kass Ghayouri Director

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SPELLING BEE OF CANADA SCHEDULE

September - December 2004

1. Confirm at least up to 25 Schools across the Province of Ontario and train the assigned spelling bee coordinators

2. Recruit and train 25 volunteers who are willing to become Chapter Presidents for the first 25 Chapters

3. Confirm registration sites, coaching, preliminary and chapter championship venues.

4. Complete and print the 2003 procedures and word manuals 5. Print registration forms 6. Begin pre-registrations and school registrations 7. Recruit and train at least 10 volunteers in each chapter, for events planning,

registrations, coaching and officiating January 2003

1. 2003 Spelling Bee championship kick-off and volunteers appreciation event a. Hand out awards to 2002 volunteers b. Unveil the 2003 program to the media c. Welcome the 2003 volunteers, chapters, schools and sponsors d. Unveil the 2003 merchandise and uniforms e. Unveil the 2003 word and procedures manuals f. Announce the 2003 spelling bee contest rules and official the official

dictionary g. Distribute the manuals, registration forms, merchandise and uniforms

order forms to chapter sites and schools 2. Train the coaches

February 2003

1. Open coaching centers 2. Coach participants 3. Conduct mock spelling bee sessions to prepare spellers for preliminary

rounds 4. Train the officials

March – May 2003

1. Conduct preliminary rounds for all sites and schools targeting 100 participants per category: a. Primary – (ages 6-7) - 100 contestants b. Junior – (ages 8-9) – 100 contestants c. Intermediate – (ages 10-11) – 100 contestants d. Senior – (ages 12-13) – 100 contestants If the number of registrants in each category exceeds 100 you should consider running additional preliminary rounds or contact your chapter President to transfer the additional participants to another site or school.

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2. Conduct chapter championships involving the final 3 contestants in each category from all participating schools and sites in the chapter.

3. Hold Chapter awards and party to honour spellers and their families. 4. Release the names and profiles of contestants and officials for the National

Championship to the media. 5. Announce the 2003 National Championship contest rules and schedule.

June 2003

1. National Championship Events: a. Day one

i. Registration ii. Reception for media, sponsors, parents and spellers

b. Day two i. Opening rounds of the championship including a written

contest ii. Championship rounds iii. Awards Banquet and farewell to spellers iv. Media and photo opportunity for spellers

NOTE The preliminary rounds and chapter championships should be held three to four weeks before the scheduled date for the National Championship Finals to enable Spelling Bee of Canada to properly plan for this event.

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1.0 GETTING STARTED

The following seven steps are recommended to assist each school or chapter to launch Spelling Bee of Canada’s programs:

1. Recruiting and training volunteers 2. Solicit funds/Sponsorships/Prizes from local businesses and

community 3. Organize Promotional Events 4. Conduct Registration Sessions 5. Conduct Coaching Sessions 6. Conduct Preliminary Rounds 7. Conduct Chapter Championships

Each one of these steps is discussed in more detail below. While we have attempted to give examples and scenarios of how the above steps should be carried out, we encourage you to add your own creative flair and if necessary, modifications to the process to best meet the needs of your chapter, school and/or community. However, please ensure that all of the activities you engage in must be consistent with Spelling Bee of Canada’s overall objectives, rules and regulations. If you wish to conduct your chapter, school and/or community’s program differently than outlined in this handbook, please contact the Head Office for approval.

1.1 Recruiting Volunteers

Spelling Bee of Canada would not exist without its dedicated volunteers. Spelling Bee of Canada always need volunteers to fill planning and operating functions both at the Chapter and National levels. Most regions in Canada have a Volunteers’ Bureau where you can post notices regarding your call for volunteers. Other possible sources include service clubs, schools and businesses. Students, parents and grandparents of participants also make good volunteers. A number of specific roles and responsibilities are outlined below. Each will require a dedicated core group of volunteers. A minimum age of 15 years is required for volunteers and all planning committee roles except for Officials and Chapter Presidents where 18 years of age is the minimum.

Chapter coordination (Chapter President)

• Represent SBOC in your Chapter • Liaison with the Regional Co-ordinator • Liaison with schools in your Chapter • Responsible for day to day co-ordination of chapter volunteers,

promotion, registration, coaching, and all spelling bee events

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Media, Marketing, Public Relation and Special Events Person;

• Increase awareness and participation in the program through media and community events

• Plan, organize and promote registration and coaching events • Plan, organize and promote the Chapter finals • Fundraising and Sponsorship • Plan funding and sponsorship strategies • Solicit funds, sponsorships and prizes • Approves awards and prizes

National Planning Co-ordinator.

• Oversee and co-ordinate all championship volunteer activities • Plan training and orientation to all SBOC volunteers National School/Library Liaison Person.

• Develop and implement strategies to support schools and libraries

participation in the championships

Pronouncer

• An official at a spelling event pronouncing the words so as to assist the spellers

Judge

• An official at a spelling bee championship event who rules on the

spelling of the words and ensures that the competition proceeds according to the championship rules and regulation

Resource Person

• An official at a spelling bee championship event keeping track of

participants Word-keeper

• An official at a spelling bee championship event keeping track of words

being used

Coach

• Conducts mock spelling bees and assists spellers to understand the Spelling Bee of Canada rules

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1.2 Volunteer Profile

All volunteers are required to complete a “Volunteer Profile”. In addition to providing basic contact information, it assists SBOC in placing volunteers in positions that will best fit their schedules and match their interests/needs.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE CHAPTER____________________ Name:__________________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone #:________________________Best time to call:_____________________________ Work Phone #:________________________Best time to call:____________Fax #:_____________ Email :______________________________Occupation:__________________________________ Employer/School:_________________________________________________________________

1. How many hours per week can you contribute to our Spelling Bee program?___________ Please circle days available: M. T. W. TH. F. SA. SU.

2. Please indicate any previous work experience in other volunteer organizations: 3. Briefly describe why you offered to volunteer in this organization.(e.g. community

involvement, concern for this cause etc.) 4. Do you have a specific achievement/goal that you plan to accomplish through this

volunteer experience? 5. Briefly describe the hobbies and interests that you enjoy: 6. Which of these areas are you interested in? (Please circle and number in order of

priority)

Chapter President Registration Coaching

Promotion Media Fundraising Sponsorship Officials Special Events Other

Signature :__________________________ Date:_______________________

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1.3 Volunteer Time Sheet

SPELLING BEE OF CANADA Volunteers Time Sheet

ACTIVITY CODE

01 - Preparation of SBOC Planning Committee

06 -Prepare flyers/brochures

11 - Revise plans to ensure media, publicity & promotional materials OK

16 - Meeting volunteers re- Coaching sessions

21- Seating

02 - Preparation of Agenda/Correspondence & Inspect Venue

07 - Prepare status report for planning committee & Kick-Off info

12 - Host orientation sessions for Volunteers

17- Meeting with officials to review Summary of Procedures for Event

22- Hosts

03- Approval for Venue to host Meetings

08 -Review Preparation plans for Kick-Off

13 - Planning Committee to review progress re: Prizes, promotion, etc.

18 - Meeting to finalise plans for Semi-final event

23- Sign-In Table

04 - Mobilise Volunteers 09 - Contact guests etc, 14 - Registration 19 - Venue Set-up and Decoration

24- Ensure officials have all materials for Events

05- Prepare letter to School Boards/ Libraries/community Org. etc.

10 - Expedite follow -up for Registration & Coaching

15 - Telephone calls to Participants re: Quarter-finals if necessary.

20 - Set up and Serve Refreshments

25- Planning for Finals

Names Telephone #. Dates Hours Act.

Code Activity Description

TOTAL

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1.4 Agreement Between Spelling Bee of Canada and Chapter President/ School Coordinator

Spelling Bee of Canada has duly appointed the undersigned as the Chapter President/ School coordinator for: ___________________________________________For the purpose of:

1. Promoting the interests and activities of Spelling Bee of Canada 2. Abide by all SBOC rules and regulations - Ensuring that particular

attention is paid to the championship rules and regulations outlined in Spelling Bee of Canada’s official manuals

3. Organizing the recruitment of volunteers and participants in the championship, and enlisting the support of the participants with respect to the rules and regulations establish by Spelling Bee of Canada

4. Selecting the dates, times and sites for all related activities (ex. registration, coaching, training sessions, preliminary rounds)

5. Agreeing to submit all proposals and arrangements made in the chapter catchments’ area to the Regional Co-ordinator before implementation

6. Ensuring that no policy statement is issued or any discussions held or any action taken without prior authority

7. Ensuring that Spelling Bee of Canada is not committed to any financial obligation without the authority of the Regional Co-ordinator or the Chief Executive Officer.

8. Returning all participants application forms along with registration fees and left over official manuals to the Head Office

9. Attending Board of Directors meetings when invited 10. Submit Program evaluation report to Regional Co-ordinator

Agreed as of this date: ____________________________________ Spelling Bee of Canada Representative _______________________ ____________________________________ Date Chapter President/ School Coordinator

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2.0 FUNDRAISING, SPONSORSHIP AND PRIZES

Spelling Bee of Canada is a registered non-profit charitable organisation, which depends on local businesses, organisation and individuals to contribute time materials, services and/or funds. While many of the items and/or services may be generously donated by businesses and organisations, funds will be required to cover other expenses. The SBOC Planning Committee will take responsibility for fund-raising across the region but will rely on each chapter for help in identifying potential sponsors in the respective chapters. The first step is to develop a Chapter Spelling Bee Budget, (see sample below) to identify the expenses you may have to incur during the course of the program. The budget form should be completed and a copy provided back to SBOC as it will help to determine the need for sponsors. The SBOC representative will advise which of the budget items you do not need to budget for, as they may be provided by SBOC.

2.1 Sample Chapter Budget

Rental Charges Bee Events $ Registration/Coaching Session $ PA Equipment for Bee Events $

Refreshments/Beverages and/or Snacks (possibly donations) $ Printing

Flyers $ Programs copies x $ $

Banner (Provided by Chapter) Trophies $ Prizes: (All prizes must be uniform throughout the Region) $ Other Supplies:

Postage $ Photocopies $ Event Decoration $ Photography $ Miscellaneous $

Audio Equipment Rental –tape recorder/camcorder $

Total $

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2.2 Sample Fundraising Action Plan

Though there may be an Official Sponsor for your chapter to help cover the chapter administrative costs, a number of Co-host/Sponsor will be necessary to sponsor the spelling bees in each chapter. The Planning Committee for your chapter will be undertaking an action plan to raise funds by identifying these Co-Hosts/Sponsors throughout the chapter. Your assistance will be required to help in this effort by identifying potential donors who may be prepared to donate funds to support this initiative. The list of prizes for preliminary and chapter and regional championships will be provided by SBOC. If you choose to have other consolation prizes, you may do so but please ensure that your SBOC chapter representative is aware, as there should be NO duplication of effort in contacting organisations for potential prizes. You will be asked to prepare a list of contacts, which will be followed up by an SBOC representative. If you would prefer to make some direct contacts, please discuss with your SBOC representative first. Here are some “memory joggers” to help build your contact list. These are the types of businesses who may be interested in “family” oriented opportunities for sponsorships, according to surveys on household expenditures by Statistic Canada:

1. Shelter (Real Estate companies, Mortgage Brokers/Banks, Home

Insurance, Home Maintenance/Renovations…) 2. Food (Grocery Stores, Delis, Butchers, Bakeries, Family Restaurants…) 3. Transportation (Car Dealership, Garages, Gas Stations…) 4. Security (Alarm companies, Insurance Companies…) 5. Recreation (Theatres, Video Stores, Sporting Goods Stores, Recreation

facilities) 6. Clothing (Retail Stores, Dry Cleaners…) 7. Household Furnishing & Equipment (Furniture stores, Appliance Stores,

Carpet/Drapery/Paint stores, educational trusts and publishers…)

Think about your own family’s expenditures or maybe you have friends/relatives who own/operate a business.

In preparing your contact list, try to IDENTIFY DECISION-MAKERS • Make sure you get to the right person! • Write down name of company/organisation, name & title of decision-

maker, mailing address, phone number

To avoid duplication of effort, you must communicate all potential donor information to the fundraising team at Head Office. Head office will then forward a Co-Host package to each person on your Contact List and follow-up by telephone. Your team will be informed of the outcome.

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3.0 PROMOTION

You will have to start promoting Spelling Bee of Canada in your Chapter immediately!!!. Promoting the program takes a dedicated effort, but once the word gets out, you will find that the program will attract much excitement, attention and support. “Events”, which will require promotion, include:

• Volunteer Search • Registration dates, times, locations, requirements; • Upcoming events including preliminary rounds; • Coverage of events; • Winners of competition; • Coverage of the chapter championship finals

Examples of who to approach for exposure are as follows:

• Community print media • Schools and/or school boards (check with your SBOC rep) • Local businesses (e.g. Grocery stores, drug stores, sporting

facilities) Use posters, flyers (a sample is enclosed), press releases (a sample will be provided), mail outs etc. Use your creativity to attract attention!!!.

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16T H ANNUAL

S P E L L I N G B E E O F C A N A D A

Improve English Skills in - Spelling - Comprehension - Communication Skills

Build Self Confidence Experience Public Speaking Increase Interpersonal Skills

Participate in a Positive Educational Experience

The competition encourages children, parents, teachers and the community to take an active role in developing self

esteem and pride in academic achievement.

REGISTRATION - NOVEMBER REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - APRIL

PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP - MAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - JUNE

Details on locations and dates in your area pending

CATEGORY JUNIOR SENIOR AGES*

* as of December 31, 2003 5-8 9-15

For More Information

416.746.0072 1.866.244.0244

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4.0 REGISTRATION

The approach will be to work with Parent Councils in the School Boards as well as the Libraries during the months of September – October in preparation for registration in November. If you are working outside the Libraries or Schools, you will need to identify two or three dates in January and find locations where there is some traffic. Preferably, as not everyone will see the flyers and local newspaper items, and you will likely attract some participants from the pass-through traffic. Other possible locations for registration outside the schools and libraries include community centres, churches, shopping malls, etc. Make sure you set up in high traffic area. Promote registration dates and location as early as possible. It is also important to indicate the registration fee and registration requirements such as proof of child’s age and signature of parent Have your proposed schedule and locations for coaching sessions, preliminary rounds and chapter championships ready to hand out to those registering. Ideally a team of volunteers should be available for registration if you are working outside of School. Use registration to recruit volunteers – ask parents if they would be interested in volunteering as they register their children, and take their names or have them fill out a volunteer form (handy to keep some volunteer forms at registration locations)

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4.1 Registration Form

REGISTRATION FORM

What City/Town do you live in: __________________________________________________________

SECTION 1: PARTICIPANT INFORMATION Full Name (PLEASE PRINT): First Name: _______________________________ Last Name:___________________________ Mailing Address__________________________________________________________________ City__________________________ Province _________________Postal Code_____________ Phone #:_____________________________ Category for which participant is registering (Age as of December 31, 2002 Proof of Age required): (6-7yrs) ____ Primary (8-9yrs) ____ Junior (10-11yrs) ____ Intermediate (12-13 yrs) _____Senior Date of Birth ________________School _____________________________Grade ______ (Month/day/year) Hobbies/Interests: ____________________________________________________________ SECTION 2: PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Full Name: ________________________________________________________ Phone Number: (Day)________________ (Eve)__________________________ Email: ______________________ Fax#__________________________ By signing below I acknowledge that the information given on this form is true and correct: Signature: ____________________________ Date: ______________________ SECTION 3: PARENT OR GUARDIAN PERMISSION FOR MEDIA RELEASE By signing below I give Spelling Bee of Canada permission to use my child’s photograph, visual likeness or voice in any promotional materials and/or media pieces relating to its program. Signature: _________________________ Date: __________________________ For Official Use Only PROOF OF AGE PRODUCED: Yes_____ No ___ $20.00 Registration Fee paid by:_____Cash _____ Cheque CHAPTER: _________________

Bottom copy to be kept by participant

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4.2 Registration Pointers

Each school or chapter site in the Chapter should be assigned a specific number of Official Spelling Bee Manuals and Registration Kits from the supply. To ensure control, the Manuals should be distributed in blocks utilizing the numbers on the registration form as a reference point (e.g. 980000 - 980050). A recognized representative of the school, community site or chapter must sign for all blocks received Don’t forget a notice for parents advising them of arrangements (locations, dates and times) for coaching sessions, preliminary rounds and chapter championships. This will save phone calls later.

Be prepared to tell the children about the preliminary rounds, chapter championships and National Championship Finals prizes and awards.

The $20.00 registration fee must be collected before the participant is issued an Official Spelling Bee Manual;

The age categories for competition are:

• Primary 6 – 7 • Junior 8 – 9 • Intermediate 10 – 11 • Senior 12 – 13

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT EACH PARTICIPANT WILL BE PLACED INTO ONE OF THE ABOVE FOUR CATGORIES BASED ON WHAT THEIR AGE WILL BE ON DECEMBER 31, IN THE YEAR PRIOR TO THE YEAR OF THE BEE (which is similar to the practice in the school boards).

All monies, registration and merchandise order forms once collected must be delivered to Spelling Bee of Canada Head Office.

4.3 Registration Checklist

( ) Focus on the month of January for Registration ( ) Make arrangement for a venue or venues for registration sites and

dates/times. ( ) Identify volunteers to manage each registration date ( ) Deliver books, forms and signs to your volunteers

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( ) Prepare promotional notice (SBOC may provide flyers) to place around community (rinks, libraries, community centres, stores) and send/fax to each school in advance of registration (check with SBOC on schools as there may be regional arrangement)

( ) Contact your local community paper to promote the Spelling Bee and

registration dates

( ) Use a sign or Spelling Bee flyers so that passers-by can tell what is going on.

( ) Use the SBOC volunteer flyer and ask parent at registration whether

they are interested in volunteering

( ) Letter/Notice for parents – Prepare copies of coaching schedule, to be handed out at registration. Make sure you include information on preliminary rounds, chapter championships and National Championship Finals .

( ) Supplies:

- 5 or 6 pens - Receipt Book (optional but some parents would prefer

receipts) - cash float (3 or 4 $10 bills and loonies)

( ) Registration process – ask parents to print names to avoid errors ( ) Prepare a listing of all registrants by age category – this will be the

basis of all the competition registration lists, as well as an accounting of all the registration forms and books. Include the registration number of each participant on the listing as that will be the order they compete in.

( ) Deliver completed forms and monies to SBOC

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5.0 COACHING

Attending coaching sessions is optional but highly advisable as participants will have the opportunity to see first hand what will be expected from them during the competition. In addition, coaching sessions allow the participants and their families to meet, help each other and have fun. Coaching sessions should be held in February. Each session should be at least two hours long. Be sure to rotate the days to accommodate conflicts with other activities. Schools, community centres, church halls, are some examples of good locations to hold coaching sessions. If possible, locations and dates should be communicated at registration. Putting together a coaching team should not be difficult. Call on the volunteers who have already come forward. If necessary, check with teachers and high schools/universities. Provide each with a copy of the Official Coaches Guide and the schedule for the training sessions offered by SBOC.

Remember: Participants need to have their Official Spelling Bee Manual with them at every coaching session! Mock spelling bees are an excellent way to give everyone (participants, parents and officials) a taste of what will occur during actual competitions. You should consider conducting some mock bees in addition or as part of your coaching sessions.

5.1 Coaches Guide

The key role of the coach is to support each participant’s effort in order to maximise his or her potential and achievements. Spelling like many other activities is easier for some people than others, but with effort anyone can improve his or her spelling. Spelling, correctly can become as much of a habit as can spelling incorrectly; it is entirely a matter of self-discipline. The success and enjoyment received from coaching will be influenced by the coach’s ability to communicate with the participants. The most effective way of helping the student is the positive approach. Positive communication is essential, including:

• Looking for ways to allow the participants to feel good about

themselves, e.g.: compliment the participants by saying good job, well done, be proud of yourself, etc.

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• Appearing cheerful and enthusiastic while coaching thus creating a feeling of being involved in something good.

• Emphasising the words they spell correctly instead of constantly providing feedback on the words they spell incorrectly.

The positive approach is communicated both in verbal and non-verbal messages. If a positive approach is used constantly, participants will develop a greater level of confidence and trust. This will make your job as coach much more rewarding and fun. Spelling Bee of Canada’s coaching philosophy is that teaching the skills of spelling and having fun are more important than winning. We ask for support and respect of all the participants Keys for planning a successful coaching session:

• Practices should be fun and well organised; • Conduct a warm-up session of very easy words; • Practice times should be kept to a maximum of 2 hours; • Use words that do not appear in the study manual to prepare

them for words that may appear on the tiebreaker word lists; • Involve the parents, ask their help to coach;

Here Are A Few Suggestions That May Help In Preparing The Students For The Spelling Bee Practice using the same conditions as the competition

1. Have the words given in random, not in alphabetical order. The

Coach should pronounce the word clearly and slowly.

2. The contestant is encouraged to pronounce the word before or after spelling. However, no contestant will be eliminated for failing to pronounce a word orask if there is alternative pronunciation.

3. The contestant may request the spell master to pronounce the word

again, define it, or use it in a sentence.

4. The contestant may retrace provided that letters and their sequence are not changed in the retracing.

Be aware of the different ways to spelling a sound

In circus, the first c and the s are both sibilants. In cord, khaki, choir and crack the c, k, ch and ck are all pronounced like k.

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Watch tricky silent letters Gnu, Hymn, Know, Rhyme, Solemn and Thyme all contain letters, which are not sounded. Don’t be afraid to use rote learning

Rote leaning is memorisation by repetition. Some people disapprove of it, some people abhor it, but sometimes it is the best way to learn and remember.

Use Mnemonics

1. Mnemonics are tricks to help memory. The best known is probably

“Thirty days hath September, April, June, November, etc.”

2. The words abstemious and facetious use the vowels in the same order in which they occur in the alphabet. (How would you remember seize and siege or occur and occurred?) The best mnemonics are the ones that one creates for oneself.

Don’t become discouraged Encourage the students to make a list of often misspelled word and master them, then move on to a second list of misspelled words. With effort and persistence, you will be able to make noticeable improvements in your ability to spell the word on your list correctly.

5.2 Coaching – Checklist

( ) Where? - Schools, community centres, churches (often space is available for this type of activity)

( ) When? - February. Consider 4 to 6 sessions of at least 2 hours on

different days of the week to accommodate varying schedules.

( ) Set event dates and times and book space

( ) Obtain copies of the Official Spelling Bee Manual for each of the coaches, and hold extra copies for those occasions when you may have to recruit parents to help.

( ) Organise your coaching teams from your confirmed volunteer’s list.

( ) Be sure to study up on the rules and procedures of the competition.

As the Chapter President, you will receive questions from contestants and parents both on how the bee will be structured and specifics on the use of capital letters, alternative spelling, retracing, etc.

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( ) Prepare a printed schedule of the coaching dates/times, preliminary rounds and chapter championships arrangements for hand-out at registration and hand-out again at the coaching sessions themselves.

At the Coaching Sessions: ( ) Divide spellers by age category, and break into small groups (less

than 10 if possible). ( ) Assign a coach to each group – feel free to recruit parents, if

necessary. ( ) Offer to answer questions from parents during the coaching – most

are anxious to understand the process. ( ) Consider visiting each group during the coaching to explain what

happens at the bees. ( ) Try alternative approaches, like spelling baseball and holding mock

spelling bees.

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6.0 SUMMARY OF COMPETITION PROCEDURE

The Spelling Bee is an oral competition among children ages 6 to 13. Children are placed into one of four categories. Primary 6-7, Junior 8-9, Intermediate 10-11 and Senior 12-13. The competition is conducted in rounds, with participants not advancing to the next round due to the incorrect spelling of a word. All words used during the first phase of the competition are from the Official Spelling Bee Manual, which participants receive upon paying the registration fee of $20.00. Words appearing in the Official Spelling Bee Manual are categorized as Primary, Junior, Intermediate and Senior. Participants upon registering are assigned a number (these numbers will be used in all competitions), at the competition they will be seated on stage in ascending order and will spell in this same manner. The number is used solely to keep track of the order in which the participants are called on to spell a word. The numbers are assigned randomly, and there is no advantage/disadvantage associated with being assigned a high or low number. The competitions are conducted in rounds, the Official Spelling Bee Manual words are used in the first phase until officials deem it suitable to switch Once the Tie-breaker round is announced the officials of the Spelling Bee will be handed sealed envelopes with the new words that were not made available to the participants. The judge will read the rules for the tie-breaking round (rule 10b only).

When a participant’s name is called, they are to approach the microphone and are then given a word to spell. The participant may ask the Pronouncer to re-pronounce a word from the Official Manual list of words only, from the Tiebreaker word list the participants may ask for the word to be re-pronounced, defined, part of speech or use in a sentence or for alternative pronunciation. The participant must begin to spell their given word within a reasonable length of time or the pronouncer will then ask the contestant to start spelling. The judge may disqualify a participant who ignores a request to start spelling. Once having started to spell a word, the participant may start over, but may not change letters or sequence of letters they have already spoken. The judge will indicate if the word was spelled correctly or incorrectly. Regardless of this ruling, the participant will go back to their seat on stage. If the word was spelled incorrectly, the pronouncer then gives the same word to the next participant (note this procedure changes when there are only 2 participants left; see Rules & Regulations 13-15). At the end of the round those participants who misspelled their word are escorted off the stage by the stage manager and brought to the “console” room. All remaining participants proceed to the next round.

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A protest may be lodged to the Arbiter before the next participant in line spells their word if there is a concern that an error was made in how a word was spelled by the participant or pronounced by the pronouncer The Arbiter will hear any protests as they arise and decide on them before the competition continues. The Arbiter’s decision shall be final. If possible, each competition should be videotaped or recorded so that any point of contention may be reviewed.

6.1 Preliminary Rounds

You have the option of holding either one spelling bee, proceeding from Primary to senior groups consecutively, or you may wish to hold four separate spelling bees, awarding prizes and trophies at the end of each one. Your decision may depend on your number of participants. From past experience, consecutive bees are difficult as few families are prepared to stay once their child or children have completed. It can also mean a very long event for officials and volunteers. You are encouraged to develop your own ideas on how best to hold the bees in your chapter. Your Chapter President/School Coordinator will conduct preliminary rounds per age category. The objective of the preliminary round is to determine the number of participants advancing to the chapter championships. It is recommended that preliminary rounds for each age group be held as separate events, either on different dates or at different times. Preliminary rounds should be held in early March. Arrangements for a location, stage, P.A system, seating, podium, sign-in and officials tables, fund raising events (e.g. merchandise sales) refreshments, and other necessary requirements should be made well in advance. Officials/volunteers to arrive about one hour early for their assigned task. This will allow for set-up and final pointers before participants arrive starting 30 to 45 minutes before the event. While you do not need to have the same officials at both the Preliminary round and Chapter championship, the Preliminary round would be a good practice session for your officials, which will likely lead to smoother sailing at the Chapter championship.

Please inform those participants who advance to the Chapter championships, that they are required to bring a wallet size photo of themselves to the event. This photo will appear in the National Championship Final Program and possibly in media coverage.

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6.2 Preliminary Round Pointers

• Venue – Location (a school, church hall or community centre, for example).

At least three microphones are required – one for the spellers, one for the Pronouncer, and one for a Judge to be shared with the resource person. Table should be set up outside the hall for nametags and registration forms – volunteers check off names of spellers as they arrive. To save time, set-up the nametags numerically so that children can locate them. on arrival. Table should be set up outside for Merchandise sales – it may be too noisy if set up inside the hall. First 3 rows across the front of the stage are normally reserved for spellers (optional) – the spellers should sit together.

Banner with the sponsors’ names should be strung across front of stage or competition Chapter, facing audience Arrange for a podium for the Pronouncer and a table for the Judge and other officials. The Judge’s table should allow for the speller and audience to see the Judge.

• Officials’ tables decorated with tablecloth, yellow (if possible), and

streamers and bows at your discretion. (Preliminary rounds do not need to be as formal as Chapter championship, but bear in mind that some of the participants will not make it to the National Championship, and still need to feel that they have been part of a special event. Decorations could help to create that feeling.) Water for your officials is a good idea – water bottles or a pitcher and glasses.

• Refreshments for the spellers could be set-up outside the hall - it may be

distracting if these are available during the bee.

Proposed Proceedings (these will vary depending on your own arrangements, but this section will give insight into a typical Preliminary round)

• Volunteers with nametags and registration sign in list greet spellers on

arrival. • Spellers could be encouraged to sit in reserved Area, or sit with families

and come up to reserved seating when called.

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• MC provides a welcome, explain proceedings, thank the donors/sponsors and introduce o fficials.

• Designated person reads the names of registered spellers who will be

seated on stage in order called.

• Judge reads competition rules and Pronouncer is introduced.

• Children are encouraged to Listen, speak clearly and slowly into microphones

• Words from prepared lists are given to participants during round one

• At the end of round one, spellers who missed their word are taken to a

“console” room.

• Next round – at end of the round, same process as above. (Pronouncer and Judge check with Word keeper to see how many words left in the word lists and ensure there are enough to hold another round before going to the tie-breakers)

• When tiebreaker word list is required, Pronouncer announces that

decision to the spellers and audience, pointing out that no one has seen these words.

6.3 Preliminary Round Checklist

( ) If more than 100 contestant in one age group, make decision on

number of Preliminaries. ( ) Arrange for venues as numbers warrant and confirm arrangements in

writing ( ) If not done at registration, notify parents of place and time for

Preliminary round, either at coaching sessions, or via a telephone committee. (Should be held in March)

( ) Arrange for Officials for each Preliminary round, arrange for a brief

biography on each of your officials and guest speaker for the M.C.

- M.C. - Pronouncer (look for articulate people, who are prepared to study

the words). - Judge (again, try to find someone comfortable with the words) - Resource Person – someone organised who can easily keep

track of the spellers (this is important as a list of the 3 finalists

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must be provided to SBOC and will be used for Chapter championship competition)

- Word keeper (could be combined Resource person Role – someone to keep track of the words and look up definitions, if required)

( ) Additional Volunteers:

- two people to manage registration – to give out name tags and to check off names of participants as they arrive

- at least one person to sell SBOC Merchandise - at least one person, possibly two, to line up children in proper

seated order and ensure they move to and from the microphone quickly

- some one to organise refreshments

( ) Refreshments (donation/or for sale) - Ensure water and glasses are available for Pronouncer and

Officials ( ) Decorations (optional for Preliminary Round) ( ) Banner (to be provided ) ( ) PA Requirements

- microphone on podium for Pronouncer - microphone on table for judge and other officials - adjustable microphone in centre floor Area for spellers - camcorder or tape recorder

( ) Certificates (to be provided by SBOC) ( ) Prepare lists of the qualified finalists and provide to SBOC

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7.0 CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP

Your Chapter championship will be much more formal than your Preliminary round. This competition will determine which participants advance to the National Championship Final. The following section entitled Summary of Competition will provide some insight as to how the competition will take place Chapter championship should be held in April or May. As with your Preliminary round, arrangements for a location, stage, PA system, seating, podium, sign-in and official tables, fund raising events (e.g. Merchandise sales), refreshments, and other necessary requirements should be made well in advance. Photos of winners will be forwarded to SBOC along with completed “Official Chapter finalist List” (copy provided).

7.1 2003 Chapter Finalists Profile

CHAPTER:________________________________________

1st. Place Primary

1st. Place Junior

1st. Place Intermediate

1st. Place Senior

Photo

Photo

Photo

Photo

Name: Age: School: Hobbies:

Name: Age: School: Hobbies:

Name: Age: School: Hobbies:

Name: Age: School: Hobbies:

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7.2 Chapter Championship: Pointers

• Venue- Location (a school, church hall or community centre, for example). Depending on the competition format you choose (separate bees, simultaneous or consecutive bees), be sure to book space with enough room for your audience and participants.

• At least three microphones are required – one for the speller, one for the

Pronouncer, and one for a Judge

• For the Chapter championship, there should be rows of chairs either on stage or immediately next to the stage for the competing spellers. A volunteer will be required to guide the spellers to and from the microphone quickly.

• Try to set up a table for the trophies so that everyone can see them –it

adds to the excitement and makes for great photos!

• Arrange for a podium for the Pronouncer and a table for Judge and other officials. The Judge’s table should allow for the speller and audience to see the Judge and other officials.

• Officials’ table decorated with tablecloth, yellow (if possible) and

streamers and bows at your discretion. Make the place look festive – this is a big event! Water for your officials is a good idea – water bottles or a pitcher and glasses.

• A guest speaker, someone of note in the community (preferable) is a

good idea to - attract community paper coverage, and to provide the event with more profile.

• Children are encouraged to Listen, speak clearly and slowly into

microphones. There is nothing more heartbreaking than a child who thinks they spelled the word correctly but mumbled the letters so that the Judge could not hear them.

• Programs outlining the events and the volunteers involved should be

available at registration tables, and also handed out by volunteers at entrance. You could consider providing lists of participants so that parents can be involved and keep track of spellers as they are disqualified.

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7.3 Chapter Championship Events Checklist ( ) Plan on around 25 to 30 finalist in each category.

( ) Select venues as early as November if possible (preferably before registration so that parents can be told date and place when registering their children). Check with sports centres, school auditoriums, council chambers, church halls etc.

( ) Arrangements for PA system and someone to monitor the system

- microphone (adjustable height) required for spellers - microphone on podium for M.C. and Pronouncer - microphone on table for Judges and other officials - video or tape recorder

( ) Identify Officials for each age category: - Pronouncer for each age category. - Judges –at least two - Word keeper/Resource Person - Master of Ceremonies

( ) Find a local dignitary to make a brief speech. This will give your

event more profile- a Council Member, Mayor, MP, or M.P.P or member of the educational community would be a good idea.

( ) Identify Volunteers:

- up to three people to manage registration - one person to sell Spelling Bee Merchandise - two people to hand out programs - at least one person, possibly two, to line up children, to ensure

quick access to the microphone to spell - volunteers to handle decorations and event set-up

( ) Promote Chapter Finalist by contacting local community papers ( ) Prizes and trophies

- prizes and trophies come from SBOC - Other prizes (optional)

( ) Participant certificates ( from SBOC) ( ) Name tags for all Finalists ( ) Master list of all Finalists, by age category ( ) Decorations

- Prize table - Judges table - Stage area/region

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( ) Supplies - Markers - Pens - Pronouncer packages (including tie-breaker words) - Package for each Judge (including tie-breaker words) - Package for each Word keeper (including extra sheets of paper) - Package for each Resource Person (including prepared speech) - Package for each Arbiter (including tie-breaker words)

( ) Refreshment arrangements – can be provided for sale ( ) Photographer – check with photography clubs for volunteers

( ) Videographer (if required) – check with schools with media programs ( ) Program ( ) Speaking Notes for Master of Ceremonies ( ) Awards Ceremony –prizes/awards by Pronouncer as names are

called out. ( ) Photographs of winners – these will be needed for the program for

the National Championship Finals.

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8.0 SPELLING BEE OF CANADA RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. An official will read rules 1 to 12 aloud before the beginning of each contest and, when the number of competitors has been reduced to two, he or she will read rules 13 to 15 unless those present agree unanimously to waive the reading of the rules.

2. The Pronouncer, judge(s) and other officials will be in complete

charge of the contest. Their decisions will be final in all matters, except protests. Any questions or protests about the spelling(s) of a word or the running of the contests must be referred to the officials immediately (before the beginning of the next round).

NO PROTEST WILL BE ENTERTAINED AFTER THE CONTEST HAS ENDED.

3. For each contest there should be an arbiter whose duty is to hear any

protest as they arise and decide on them before the contest continues. The arbiter’s decision shall be final. If possible each contest should be videotaped or recorded so that any point of contention may be reviewed.

4. This competition is open to all contestants ages 6-7(Primary), 8-9

(Junior) 10-11 (Intermediate) and 12-13(Senior). 5. In competition, words may be chosen from any source deemed

appropriate by Spelling Bee officials and will not be limited to any particular list.

6. Preliminary Rounds, will be held in each area using recommended

wordlists, and the listed rules and regulations. Each area may send four contestants to the National Championship finals no more than one in each age category, these finalists, being the first place finishers in each chapter.

7. The competition will be oral; contestant must spell the words orally

and the use of pens and/or pencils and paper will not be allowed. 8. Contestants may pronounce their words before spelling them, after

spelling them or not at all. 9. A written contest will be used at the National championship only

(recommended) 10. Once a contest has begun to spell a word, he or she may not ask for

a word to be re-pronounced, defined or used in a sentence. Also, having started to spell a word, a contestant will not be given any opportunity to change letters already pronounced. A speller may retrace provided that letters and their sequence are not changed in

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retracing. Spellers are not required to indicate capitals, apostrophes, or other punctuation.

11. If a manual word is unclear to a contestant, he or she may ask for the

word to be re-pronounced, but will not be given a definition or a sentence, unless the word is a homophone in which case the Pronouncer should give the definition without being asked. If inadvertently, no definition of a homophone is provided, then any spelling of the given word will be accepted except for a spelling, which is that of a proper name. Note: Proper name is a noun that names a person or place- for example: Lee, Mary, Maine, Wales.

12. If a tiebreaker word is unclear to a contestant, it is the responsibility of the contestant to request that the word be re-pronounced, defined and/or used in a sentence. The Pronouncer will grant the request(s) until the officials agree that the word has been made reasonably clear to the contestant. If a word is a homophone, the Pronouncer should give the definition without being asked and a sentence if the contestant requests it. If inadvertently, no definition of a homophone is provided, then any spelling of the given word will be accepted except for a spelling, which is that of a proper name. If a contestant requests and is given a sentence for a homophone from the tie-breaker list, even without the definition, then the speller must give the correct spelling of that word.

13. Officials may disqualify any contestant who ignores a request to start

spelling his or her word within a reasonable length of time. Also, A SPELLER WHOSE SPELLING OF A WORD IS NOT AUDIBLE TO THE OFFICIALS MAY HAVE HIS OR HER SPELLING RULED INCORRECT.

14. When a speller fails to spell a word correctly, the next contestant will

be given the same word to spell. If every contestant in a round misspells the same word, all contestants will remain in the competition.

15. The elimination procedure changes when the number of contestants

is reduced to two. At this point, when one contestant misspells a word, the other contestant will be given the opportunity to spell the same word.

16. If the second contestant spells the word correctly, plus the next word

on the pronouncer’s list, then he or she will be declared champion. If the contestant misspells the word on the pronouncer’s list, then both spellers continue in the contest.

If both contestants misspell the same word, then both continue in the contest