Benefits of spelling contests for school children

Spelling contests for children like the Spelling Bee are interactive, fun, globally recognized platforms that promote learning of English language. According to Linda wood, one of the judges on a spelling bee competition, the Spelling Bee is not only about rote learning, but the learning process also involves learning meanings, pronunciation and even the origin of words.

Similarly, extracurricular contests cannot be considered a waste of time because they complement or add to the knowledge of children. Most parents do worry about the application of this contest when it comes to education and also consider it a waste of their children’s time. 

The importance of these contests can be assessed by the inclusion of these contests and others like these in the extracurricular activities of Schools. American curriculum schools in Sharjah and the other regions in the UAE promote children’s participation in these competitions. Other extracurricular include Math contests and science fairs that help children learn through fun.

In an attempt to ensure that you realize that your child is learning more than losing out on education when they practice for these contests, we have compiled a list of ways in which your child benefits from these contests: 

• Enhance vocabulary

Spelling contests have the ability to, increase in children, their competency in terms of vocabulary which allows them to excel at both reading and writing.

With the knowledge of a greater number of words and an extensive vocabulary, they will be able to enjoy material that they read, understanding the meaning of word that they come across.

• Generates competitive spirit

World-renowned spelling contest such as the Spelling Bee, tend to inculcate a friendly competitive spirit within the participants. The excitement and stimulation associated with the competition is similar to the excitement in physical competitions due to the adrenaline rush that children often feel during the competition.

Apart from the excitement, children from different countries, cultures and backgrounds get to meet each other and socialize, so these contests provide a great way to allow kids of young ages to socialize.

• Broadens knowledge base

Spelling contests tend to help children learn etymology or the background of words. Not only does this information help enhance the knowledge base of youth but it also inculcates a love for vocabulary, words, and the English language.

• Improves learning skills

The learning process that accompanies spelling contests allows enhancement of your child’s learning skills. These learning skills go on to help them in their academics.

• Makes them perform well under pressure.

Due to the nature of spelling and other extracurricular contests, children tend to learn to not only cope with pressure but are also able to perform well under it. This helps them during the contest, and it also prepares them for future challenges.

• Improves confidence

Big contests like the Spelling Bee and others are good practice for public speaking as they prepare participants for public speaking which is something most people panic while doing. The participants also learn to accept mistakes and accept and show gratitude when applauded.

• Improves grammar

Participating in spelling bees is not just rote learning words, without knowing their application. The learning process that the children go through involves extensive learning, from the meaning, pronunciation to the origin of the word. 

Conclusion

If you’re a parent your probably worried about the long hours that your child is spending preparing for a contest that’s  all about spellings and won’t do much for their future education.  For the children at the American curriculum schools in Sharjah however, this is a fun way to compete and let others know about their talents.  Numerous other schools also implement extracurricular tools for learning. 

Although the advantages associated with spelling contests and other extracurricular activities may not be visible upfront, however, in the long run, the children learn important skills such as handling pressure, public speaking and friendly competition  which go on to benefit them in the future.