Spelling Bee Study Guide Goes Online

I have to admit, there have been more than a few times while channel-surfing that we've been drawn into the drama of ... the Scripps National Spelling Bee. I kid you not. My kids especially have been riveted watching poised peers work their way around words they have never seen; forget trying to spell them.

Well, if you want to be ready for the national spelling in May be (at least watching it) or just want to build your vocabulary and learn more about the origin of words in our often-confusing language, Merriam-Webster and the Scripps National Spelling Bee have put their 700-word "Spell It" studying guide online for all to peruse. There's a "words you need to know" section, and words listed under the languages from which they originate.

Tell your kids about it. Will they spend time on it? I can't say. But then again, I never would have guessed watching kids spell words in front of a national TV audience would be so... spellbinding.

LINK: Spell It! [Merriam-Webster]