The Scripps National Spelling Bee is an object of curiosity and bemusement. If that were all that spelling was, then critics of the Bee – including advocates of orthographical reform who picket it annually – would have a point. In addition to our weekly hour-long sessions, many of my tutees participate in off-season spelling bees like the North South Foundation bee and the South Asian Spelling Bee. At a certain point, despite the undeniable thrill of competition, spelling bee prep transcends the narrow goal of claiming the vaunted loving-cup trophy. Spellers learn to conduct themselves gracefully under pressure, and they learn humility in the face of luck’s inevitable interventions.

Source: The Guardian May 28, 2019 11:48 UTC