Spelling has always been a part of our school system’s curriculum beginning in first grade which means that this year, Captain Computer joins his sister in practicing words for weekly tests.
Learning to spell helps kids learn word patterns. Making relationships between letters and sounds provides a better understanding of the mechanics of spelling words and ultimately helps kids become faster and more fluent readers and writers.
Parents of preschoolers, kindergartners, and first graders can start with The Basic Spelling Vocabulary list and practice words in fun ways.
- Teachmama.com’s Amy Mascott provides a list of Fun ways to learn spelling words which are fun and interactive for kids.
- Reading Rockets’ Developing Writing and Spelling at Home encourages families to integrate writing into the home through a variety of different ways and provides practical writing and spelling ideas for parents.
- Sometimes competition can be a huge motivator and for those who love a challenge among peers and aren’t afraid of getting up in front of a crowd, Macy’s 7thAnnual Spelling Bee might be the perfect venue for practicing spelling.
Macy’s has teamed up with Reading is Fundamental to host their Annual Spelling Bee at 27 stores across the country for kids ages 8-11. Here’s a look at the upcoming spelling bee dates, times, and locations.
Saturday, September 15
- Chicago, IL – Old Orchard @ 1PM (Kids, Lower Level)
- Lone Tree, CO – Park Meadows @ 2PM (Kids, 3rd Floor)
- Novi, MI – Twelve Oaks @ 2PM (Kids, 1st Floor)
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Victoria Gardens @ 2PM (Kids, Lower Level)
- Louisville, KY – Oxmoor Mall @ 2PM (Kids, 3rd Floor)
- Miami, FL – The Falls @ 2PM (Kids, 3rd Floor)
- Chesapeake, VA – Greenbrier Mall @ 2PM (Kids, Lower Level)
- Paterson, NJ – Center City @ 2PM (Grand Court, Main Floor)
- Pittsburgh, PA – Robinson Town Center @ 2PM (Kids, 2nd Floor)
- Des Peres, MO – West County @ 1PM (Kids, 3rd Floor)
- Bethesda, MD- Montgomery Mall @ 2PM (Kids, Lower Level)
Sunday, September 16
- Bridgewater, NJ – Bridgewater @ 2PM (Kids, 3rd Floor)
Saturday, September 22
- Houston, TX – Memorial City @ 2PM (Kids, 2nd Floor)
- Aventura, FL – Aventura Mall @ 2PM (Kids, 3rd Floor)
- Coral Springs, FL – Coral Springs @ 2PM (Kids, Level 1)
- Orlando, FL – Florida Mall @ 2PM (Kids, 2nd Floor)
- San Diego, CA – Fashion Valley @ 2PM (Kids, 3rd Floor)
While there are some fabulous prizes for the winner at each store, nothing beats the self satisfaction that comes with spelling confidence.
For full details about Macy’s 7th Annual Spelling Bee, please visit Macys.com. If you are able to attend with your child, here are a few tips:
- Be respectful of the concentration of the participants by being quiet. Macy’s will ask guests who are loud to leave as to not interfere.
- If you do take photos of your child participating, please be mindful that other parents might not want their children’s pictures posted on the internet through social networking services like Facebook and Instagram.
- Please don’t Tweet out the words that kids are being asked to spell. It may be exciting that your child spelled the word correctly, but this could give an unfair advantage to others participating in the spelling bee at locations across the country.
If you can’t join and would like to follow along, follow #MacysBee on Twitter.
I am a member of the Everywhere Society and was provided with compensation for this post however, all opinions are my own. Image courtesy of Macy’s and Microsoft Images.
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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012
Great post Leticia!
You’ve given us great resources to check out. I’ve never heard of the Macy’s Spelling Bee before, I know I missed it this year, but I’ll look into it for 2013. Another great contest is Zaner-Bloser’s 2013 National Handwriting Contest http://www.zaner-bloser.com/national-handwriting-contest
It’s nice to see education getting some spotlight on a national level and in a positive way that can really excite kids and make them eager to learn AND master the fundamentals of schooling.
-Madeline
Hi Madeline! I used to teach Zaner-Bloser as a first grade teacher. I had no idea there was a handwriting contest! Thanks for sharing!
No problem!