Learning Lab Wichita Spelling BeeA Celebration of Words, Wit, and Wonder!Step up to the mic and show off your spelling skills at the Learning Lab Wichita Spelling Bee. Open to Elementary and Middle School students, this friendly competition invites learners to celebrate knowledge and language. Students in two grade categories, 3rd–5th and 6th–8th, will compete in a traditional spelling bee. For our younger learners, K–3rd, are invited to join the Word Whomp Challenge — a fun, fast-paced word-building game designed to support emerging readers and encourage a love of language.1pm Word Whomp Challenge (K-3rd Grades)2pm Spelling Bee: Category 1 (3rd-5th Grades)3pm Spelling Bee: Category 2 (6th-8th Grades)Word WhompGet ready to put your word skills to the test! Word Whomp is a fun and fast-paced competition designed for emerging readers in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Using a random set of letters, students will race against the clock to see who can craft the most words. This exciting game builds vocabulary, strengthens spelling, and encourages creative thinking—all while having a blast with friends. Whether you’re a word whiz or just starting to explore new letter combinations, Word Whomp is the perfect mix of learning and play. Rules for Play: Use the letters to make as many real words as you can in 8 minutes. Words must be at least 2 letters long. Each letter may only be used as many times as it appears in the set. How it works: Students compete in 3 rounds to see who can arrange the most words! The top 3 students who accumulate the most words will be recognized as our Word Whomp Wonders and receive a small prize. Preparation Materials:Word Whomp for K-3 (1).pdfSpelling BeeRules for Play:The student must say the word, spell it letter by letter, and then say the word again to indicate they are finished.The student may ask for the word to be repeated, defined, or used in a sentence before beginning to spell.Once a student begins spelling, they may start over as long as they have not added or changed letters in their original attempt.If the student misspells a word, they are eliminated from that round.No talking, gestures, or coaching are permitted from the audience or other participants during a student’s turn.The judge’s decision is final in determining whether a spelling is correct.How it Works:Take Turns – Each student is called up in order to spell a word.Hear the Word – The pronouncer says the word out loud.Ask for Help (if needed) – Students may ask to hear the word again, request a definition, or have the word used in a sentence.Spell the Word – The student says the word, spells it letter by letter, and then repeats the word to indicate they are finished.Right or Wrong – If the spelling is correct, the student remains in the competition. If not, they are eliminated.Keep Going – Rounds continue until only one student remains.Winner Announced – The last student standing is crowned the Learning Lab Wichita Spelling Bee Champion!Preparation Materials: Category 1; 3-5th Grade Words.pdfCategory 2; 6-8th Grade Words.pdfSpelling Bee Preparation Guide for Parents & Educators.pdf
Learning Lab Wichita Spelling Bee
A Celebration of Words, Wit, and Wonder!
Step up to the mic and show off your spelling skills at the Learning Lab Wichita Spelling Bee. Open to Elementary and Middle School students, this friendly competition invites learners to celebrate knowledge and language.
Students in two grade categories, 3rd–5th and 6th–8th, will compete in a traditional spelling bee. For our younger learners, K–3rd, are invited to join the Word Whomp Challenge — a fun, fast-paced word-building game designed to support emerging readers and encourage a love of language.
1pm Word Whomp Challenge (K-3rd Grades)
2pm Spelling Bee: Category 1 (3rd-5th Grades)
3pm Spelling Bee: Category 2 (6th-8th Grades)
Word Whomp
Get ready to put your word skills to the test! Word Whomp is a fun and fast-paced competition designed for emerging readers in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Using a random set of letters, students will race against the clock to see who can craft the most words.
This exciting game builds vocabulary, strengthens spelling, and encourages creative thinking—all while having a blast with friends. Whether you’re a word whiz or just starting to explore new letter combinations, Word Whomp is the perfect mix of learning and play.
Rules for Play:
- Use the letters to make as many real words as you can in 8 minutes.
- Words must be at least 2 letters long.
- Each letter may only be used as many times as it appears in the set.
How it works:
Students compete in 3 rounds to see who can arrange the most words!
The top 3 students who accumulate the most words will be recognized as our Word Whomp Wonders and receive a small prize.
Preparation Materials:
Spelling Bee
Rules for Play:
- The student must say the word, spell it letter by letter, and then say the word again to indicate they are finished.
- The student may ask for the word to be repeated, defined, or used in a sentence before beginning to spell.
- Once a student begins spelling, they may start over as long as they have not added or changed letters in their original attempt.
- If the student misspells a word, they are eliminated from that round.
- No talking, gestures, or coaching are permitted from the audience or other participants during a student’s turn.
- The judge’s decision is final in determining whether a spelling is correct.
How it Works:
Take Turns – Each student is called up in order to spell a word.
Hear the Word – The pronouncer says the word out loud.
Ask for Help (if needed) – Students may ask to hear the word again, request a definition, or have the word used in a sentence.
Spell the Word – The student says the word, spells it letter by letter, and then repeats the word to indicate they are finished.
Right or Wrong – If the spelling is correct, the student remains in the competition. If not, they are eliminated.
Keep Going – Rounds continue until only one student remains.
Winner Announced – The last student standing is crowned the Learning Lab Wichita Spelling Bee Champion!
Preparation Materials:
Category 1; 3-5th Grade Words.pdf
Category 2; 6-8th Grade Words.pdf
Spelling Bee Preparation Guide for Parents & Educators.pdf