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About

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Who We Are

The Inland Northwest Spelling Bee is sponsored by the Idaho Character Foundation, facilitated by the Coeur d'Alene School District, and hosted by North Idaho College in February of each year. Spellers from Northern Idaho and Northeastern Washington will compete for a chance to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee each May. 

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Competitions are open to 4th-8th grade spellers in the following Idaho and Washington counties:​

Idaho: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone

Washington: Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane and Stevens​

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The final winner from Washington or Idaho is sent on an all-expense-paid trip for the speller and one guardian/parent to the National Spelling Bee located in Washington D.C. in May.

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Why Should Your Speller Compete?

Being a good speller and competing in a local spelling bee can offer a wide range of benefits.
Here are the top 20 benefits:
  • ​Enhanced Communication Skills: Good spelling improves your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and spoken language.

  • Boosted Confidence: Competing in a spelling bee can boost your self-confidence as you conquer the fear of public speaking and showcase your skills.

  • Improved Vocabulary: Spelling bees expose you to a variety of words, expanding your vocabulary and language comprehension.

  • Attention to Detail: Spelling requires careful attention to detail, which can be a valuable skill in various aspects of life.

  • Better Writing Skills: Strong spelling skills contribute to better writing, as you're less likely to make spelling errors in your compositions.

  • Academic Success: Good spellers tend to perform better in academics, as spelling is closely linked to reading and comprehension.

  • Memory Enhancement: Learning and recalling complex spellings can improve your memory.

  • Critical Thinking: Competing in spelling bees encourages critical thinking as you analyze word origins, roots, and patterns.

  • Improved Pronunciation: Accurate spelling often leads to improved pronunciation of words.

  • ​Competitive Spirit: Spelling bees nurture a competitive spirit, helping you develop resilience and a drive to excel.

  • Attention to Pronunciation: You learn to pay attention to the pronunciation of words, which can be valuable in language acquisition.

  • Time Management: Preparing for a spelling bee requires effective time management skills.

  • Cognitive Skills: Spelling bees engage your cognitive abilities, helping you become more mentally agile.

  • Expanded Knowledge: You gain knowledge in various fields as you encounter words from diverse subjects.

  • Public Speaking Skills: Competing in spelling bees helps improve public speaking skills, as you present words in front of an audience.

  • Social Interaction: Spelling bees provide opportunities for social interaction and building friendships with fellow competitors.

  • Educational Opportunities: Success in spelling bees can lead to scholarships and educational opportunities.

  • Goal Setting: Setting goals and working towards them is an important aspect of preparing for a spelling bee.

  • Cultural Awareness: Spelling bees often include words from different languages and cultures, promoting cultural awareness.

  • Lifelong Learning: The process of preparing for a spelling bee instills a love for lifelong learning and continuous improvement.

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