Students were spelling up a storm Saturday in Barrie, getting in some last minute practice for the Barrie Literacy Council’s annual Spelling Bee.

With the qualifying rounds set to start next weekend, spellers came out to go through the proper spelling bee procedures and practice speaking into the microphone.   

Charlotte Lavimodiere, from the Barrie Literacy Council, said she was impressed with the turnout.

“Today we’ve given everyone a chance to get up to the mic, because not everyone has had the chance to stand at a microphone before,” she said. “It’s so they can see that it’s not that scary after all.”

Lavimodiere coached the kids before they went up to the microphone, giving them a few tips.

“The one thing that happens is they get up there and they rush and then they make mistakes,” she said. “We tell them to take their time, think about it first, because if they make a mistake… they can’t correct it.”

Lavimodiere said it is also important that the participants repeat the word before they spell it, so the judges know the child has heard the word correctly.

Christopher Mancebo, who will be competing in the Grade 2 category, was feeling confident after his practice round.  

“I was a little nervous but it wasn’t too bad,” he said. “I’ve been practicing with my mom at home. I’m ready.”

Qualifying rounds for Grade 1 through 4 will take place next weekend, with the Grade 5 through 9 rounds beginning on the 26.

The spelling bee finals will take place Feb. 9 at the Kozlov Centre.

Students can register for the bee at the Kozlov Centre up until the day before their grade’s competition.

For more information call the Barrie Literacy Council at 728-7323 or visit www.barriespellingbee.com