Spelling Game for Kids: Spelling Bee
Spelling Bee is a free online spelling game that uses the proven “look, cover, write, check” method, plus a listen-and-spell mode on supported devices.
Spelling Bee
Loading game…
- Ages
- 5–12
- School years
- Senior Infants–6th Class
- Skills
- Spelling common and tricky words, Visual memory for words, Phonics and letter patterns
- Curriculum
- Primary Curriculum
- Time
- 2–5 minutes a round
- Cost
- Free, no sign-up
- Updated
How to play Spelling Bee
- Choose a word level: 3-letter words, simple words, tricky words or challenge words.
- Look carefully at the word (or listen to it) before it disappears.
- Type the word from memory and press Check.
- Use the sentence clue if you need help remembering the word.
What your child learns
- Spelling common and tricky words
- Visual memory for words
- Phonics and letter patterns
- Vocabulary in context
About Spelling Bee
“Look, cover, write, check” is one of the most effective ways to learn spellings because it makes kids recall the word from memory instead of copying it.
Word lists include high-frequency words and commonly misspelt words such as “because”, “necessary” and “separate”.
Which level should my child play?
| School year | Suggested level |
|---|---|
| Senior Infants | 3-letter words |
| 1st Class | 3-letter words |
| 2nd Class | Simple words |
| 3rd Class | Tricky words |
| 4th Class | Tricky words |
| 5th Class | Challenge words |
| 6th Class | Challenge words |
Move up a level after getting three stars two or three times in a row.
🏆 Leaderboard
Full leaderboard →Play a round to get on the board! Create a free account to save your scores.
🇮🇪 Primary Curriculum links
Find games by class →- 1st Class · Stage 2 · Writing: Spelling common short words and using full stops and question marks.
- 2nd Class · Stage 2 · Writing: Spelling familiar words and using capital letters correctly.
- 3rd Class · Stage 3 · Writing: Spelling trickier words and understanding how suffixes change words.
- 5th Class · Stage 4 · Writing: Spelling challenging words and building words from roots, prefixes and suffixes.
Strands and strand units summarised from the Primary Mathematics Curriculum (2023) and the Primary Language Curriculum, published by the NCCA for the Department of Education (curriculumonline.ie). Both curricula set learning outcomes for two-year stages, so the class shown is our suggested starting point. Game alignment by Success Tutoring; not endorsed by the NCCA or the Department of Education.
🖨️ Printable worksheets
Practise away from the screen too: free worksheets with answer keys that match this game.
📝 Use it for test prep
Spelling Bee builds skills for these tests. Try the ⏱️ Timed test button for exam-style practice.
Frequently asked questions
What age is this spelling game for?
Ages 5 to 12. The 3-letter words suit beginners, while challenge words stretch upper primary students.
Why doesn’t the listen mode appear?
Listen and spell uses your browser’s built-in speech. If your device doesn’t support it, the game uses look, cover, spell instead.
Does it use American or British spelling?
Word lists use British / Australian spelling (for example “favourite”).
More games you’ll love
All english games →Unscramble letters using picture clues.
Listen and find Dolch sight words.
Find the word that rhymes.
Find words with the same or opposite meaning.
Add numbers within 10, 20, 100 or 1,000.
Practise any times table from 2× to 12×.
Help your child shine in English
Practice at home is a great start. Success Tutoring offers personalised tutoring to build skills and confidence.