How to Use SpellTutor
Your AI-powered practice companion for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Learn how to get the most out of every session.
How a Practice Session Works
Listen to the Word
Your AI tutor pronounces the word clearly. The word is also displayed on screen.
- The word is pronounced twice automatically
- You can ask the tutor to repeat it anytime
- Listen carefully for tricky pronunciations
Ask for More Information
Just like in a real Spelling Bee, you can request additional information about the word.
- "What is the definition?" - Hear the word meaning
- "Can you use it in a sentence?" - Hear context
- "What is the language of origin?" - Etymology clues
- "What part of speech is it?" - Noun, verb, etc.
- "Are there alternate pronunciations?" - Variations
Spell the Word
You can spell using voice or by typing. Both methods work seamlessly.
- Voice: Say each letter clearly (e.g., "C-A-T")
- Voice: Say "double" for repeated letters (e.g., "double L")
- Voice: Finish by saying the complete word
- Type: Enter your spelling in the text box and press Enter
- Typing submits immediately without confirmation
Confirm Your Spelling (Voice Only)
For voice input, the tutor repeats your spelling back for confirmation.
- The tutor says: "I heard C-A-T, is that correct?"
- Say "yes" or "correct" to confirm
- Say "no" if you need to correct a letter
- This ensures 100% accuracy in evaluation
- Typing skips this step - evaluates immediately
Get Feedback & Continue
Receive instant feedback and move to the next word.
- Correct spellings count toward mastery
- Spell a word correctly 3 times to master it
- If incorrect, the tutor shows the right spelling
- Practice continues with the next word
Progression System
SpellTutor uses the official Words of the Champions from the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The 4,450+ words are organized into four progressive difficulty levels.
Mastery = 3 Correct Spellings
Spell each word correctly 3 times to master it. Master all words in your current level to unlock the next level.
Tips for Success
Use Headphones
Headphones provide clearer audio and prevent echo. This significantly improves voice recognition accuracy and lets you hear pronunciations more clearly.
Speak Clearly & Naturally
Enunciate each letter distinctly but naturally. Say letters in short phrases like 'A-B-C' rather than pausing after each one. The AI understands natural speech patterns.
Type When Convenient
Use the text input for faster submission. Typing skips the confirmation step and evaluates immediately. Great for words you know well.
Restart If Needed
Say 'restart', 'start over', or 'let me try again' to clear your current spelling and begin fresh. Wait for the display to clear before spelling again.
Practice Regularly
Short, consistent daily sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones. Aim for 15-20 minutes per day to build lasting spelling skills.
Double Letters
For repeated letters like 'LL' in 'spelling', you can say 'double L'. The tutor understands this shorthand and will interpret it correctly.
What You Can Ask the Tutor
Just like in the real Scripps National Spelling Bee, you can request the following information about any word:
"Can you repeat the word?"
Hear the word pronounced again
"What is the definition?"
Get the meaning of the word
"Can you use it in a sentence?"
Hear the word used in context
"What part of speech is it?"
Learn if it is a noun, verb, etc.
"What is the language of origin?"
Discover the word etymology
"Are there alternate pronunciations?"
Hear different ways to say it
Ready to start practicing?
Start Practice Session