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
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- Ages
- 5–12
- School years
- Grade R–Grade 6
- Skills
- Spelling common and tricky words, Visual memory for words, Phonics and letter patterns
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- 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 |
|---|---|
| Grade R | 3-letter words |
| Grade 1 | 3-letter words |
| Grade 2 | Simple words |
| Grade 3 | Tricky words |
| Grade 4 | Tricky words |
| Grade 5 | Challenge words |
| Grade 6 | 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.
🇿🇦 CAPS links
Find games by grade →- Grade 2 · Writing and Handwriting: Spelling common words and writing sentences with capital letters and full stops.
- Grade 3 · Writing and Handwriting: Learning weekly spelling words drawn from phonics and sight words.
- Grade 6 · Writing and Presenting: Spelling challenging words correctly.
Content areas, topics and language skills summarised from the Department of Basic Education’s Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Mathematics and English Home Language, Foundation Phase (Grades R–3) and Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6). Learners taking English First Additional Language practise the same skills at their own pace. Game alignment by Success Tutoring; not endorsed by the Department of Basic 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.