Here are some especially great reminders and study ideas from Carolyn's Corner: SPELLING BEE PARTICIPATION TIPS Be careful when spelling words that contain double letters. Don't worry about diacritical marks. Ask the pronouncer if your word has any other pronunciations. Repronounce your word with the same stress or stresses that have been provided to you by the pronouncer. Maintain your competitive edge: Don't get cocky. Use the KISS rule when there is no information that can help you with the correct spelling of a word. Think about whether or not a word you are asked to spell has a homonym. Spell as Noah Webster would have you spell. Communicate with the judges!