Overview:
SpellPunditβs coaching program is designed to help Kβ8 students build strong foundational skills in spelling and vocabulary, ultimately preparing them to excel at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, SpellPundit National Bee, and other elite competitions. The program emphasizes language roots, spelling rules, and consistent practice using a structured, multi-quarter curriculum. Students will learn to decode challenging words, build etymological awareness, and gain confidence through expert instructions and engaging lessons.
π― Program Goals
Beginner (Grades Kβ3):
- Learn dictionary navigation, diacritical marks, basic word construction, and common Greek roots.
- Build familiarity with high-frequency spelling bee words (WOTC and CWL).
- Target: Win school/district bees and place in the top 10 in junior national bees.
Intermediate (Grades 4β8):
- Deepen mastery of spelling rules, roots (Greek, Latin, French, etc.), and complex word structures.
- Understand diverse language patterns and etymology across European and world languages.
- Target:: Win regional bees and place in the top 10 in senior national bees.
Advanced (Grades 5β8):
- For spellers qualified for Scripps or ranked in the top 20 at SpellPundit or similar bees.
- Coached by former national-level champions or finalists.
- Intensive, customized training to master high-difficulty words and strategies.
- Target:: Win or place highly in national-level spelling bees.
ποΈ Program Structure
- Class Frequency: 1 class/week (~1 hour)
- Minimum 12 classes
- Total Classes: ~48 per year (12 per quarter minimum)
- Format: Small groups (3β4 students)
- Class Size: Online, with weekend and weekday options
- Homework: Weekly assignments based on class content
- Curriculum Focus: Spelling rules, word origins, dictionary use, roots, and language patterns recognition
- Mock Spelling Bee: Mock spelling bees are conducted to simulate real competition settings and improve on-stage confidence.
π° Fees and Requirements
Level |
Cost (per quarter) |
Classes |
Materials Needed |
Beginner |
$240 |
12 |
SpellPundit Discount Package |
Intermediate |
$300 |
12 |
SpellPundit Discount Package 1 |
Advanced |
$480 |
12 |
All Modules |
- Word lists must be purchased separately unless already owned
- Homework assignments will draw from these word lists and additional course materials
π Curriculum Highlights
Quarter 1: Foundations of Spelling and Word Structure
Focus: Spelling rules, word components, and Greek roots.
- Introduction to the Dictionary & Diacritical Marks
Learn how to navigate the dictionary, understand pronunciation keys, and interpret diacritical symbols.
- Spelling Rules β Overview
Explore essential spelling conventions and general patterns in English.
- Spelling Rules β Practice & Application
Practice applying rules through sample word sets and decoding exercises.
- Spelling Rules β Continued
Master exceptions and tricky rules that often confuse spellers.
- Rule-Breakers: Words Without Strong Rules
Tackle high-frequency irregular words that defy traditional patterns.
- Word Construction: Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes β I
Break down words into their building blocks for easier recall and decoding.
- Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes β II
Deepen understanding with practice-based learning and group activities.
- Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes β III
Explore less common affixes and compound formations.
- Common Greek Roots β I
Begin exploring Greek origins that form the backbone of spelling bee vocabulary.
- Common Greek Roots β II
- Common Greek Roots β III
- Common Greek Roots β IV
Practice decoding long and technical words derived from Greek.
Quarter 2: Language Origins and Word Patterns β Part I
Focus: Latin roots and Romance language spelling patterns.
- Common Latin Roots β I
- Common Latin Roots β II
- Common Latin Roots β III
Learn how Latin forms shape advanced spelling words.
- English Language Patterns
Understand why English spelling is inconsistent and how to manage exceptions.
- Latin Language Patterns
Recognize typical endings and sounds in Latin-derived words.
- Greek Language Patterns
Revisit Greek spelling patterns beyond roots, including consonant blends and suffix shifts.
- French Language Patterns β I
Study the elegant but tricky spellings of French-origin words.
- French Language Patterns β II
- French Language Patterns β III
- Italian Language Patterns
Discover the musicality and logic in Italian spellings.
- Spanish Language Patterns
Learn spelling conventions rooted in Spanish and Latin American vocabulary.
- Portuguese Language Patterns
Spot the subtleties that set Portuguese-derived words apart from Spanish.
Quarter 3: Language Origins and Word Patterns β Part II
Focus: Germanic, Semitic, Asian, and Indigenous language patterns, plus eponyms and outliers.
- German Language Patterns β I
- German Language Patterns β II
Decode compound words and consonant-heavy spellings.
- Scandinavian & Yiddish Language Patterns
Learn borrowed words and spelling influences from northern Europe.
- Dutch & Afrikaans Language Patterns
Spot the overlap and shifts from these Germanic roots.
- Irish, Welsh, & Gaelic Language Patterns
Explore the poetic but complex spellings of Celtic-derived words.
- Russian Language Patterns
Practice Cyrillic-origin spellings and Slavic influences.
- Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, Persian, & Arabic Patterns
Analyze phonetic spellings and layered etymologies from South Asian and Middle Eastern roots.
- Hebrew Language Patterns
Understand unique consonants and syllabic shifts in Hebrew words.
- Chinese & Japanese Language Patterns
Discover transliterated spellings and cultural terms used in English.
- Maori & Hawaiian Language Patterns
Practice vowel-rich words with fluid pronunciation rules.
- Geographical Words, Eponyms, & Mythological Words
Decode names of people and places turned into vocabulary.
- Unclassified & Outlier Words
Explore high-difficulty words that resist categorization and require strategic memorization.
Word Volume:
- Beginner: ~13,000 words/year
- Intermediate: ~30,000 words/year
π§βπ« About the Coaches
- All coaches are former national-level spellers
- Trained using a structured, consistent curriculum
- Students are matched with coaches based on schedule and proficiency
π Registration & Logistics
- Register at www.spellpundit.com (signup required)
- Purchase the appropriate coaching program and word lists
-
Early registration ensures preferred time slot and smooth scheduling
After Registration:
- Choose available time slots
- Receive Zoom links, homework, and lecture materialss
Refunds: : Pro-rated if discontinued
Missed Classes: Video recordings available
Switching Groups: Permitted for schedule or proficiency needs
β Frequently Asked Questions
- Is vocabulary included? Yes
- Is homework graded? Yes
- Can I join mid-quarter? Possibly, if space allows
For more details please contact spellpundit@gmail.com.