Free · Grades K-5 · Summer 2026
The Summer Spelling Challenge
A free 8-week program that keeps kids spelling all summer. Ten words a week, a family bee at the end, and a certificate for every champion. For grades K to 5.
June 15 to August 9, 2026. Jump in any week.
How it works
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Print the pack
Grab the calendar, your child's word lists, and a certificate. All free, no signup.
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Ten words a week
Learn them early in the week, practice midweek, quiz on the weekend. About 15 minutes a day.
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Finish with a family bee
Week 8 ends with a spelling bee in your living room. Every kid who finishes gets a certificate.
The challenge pack
Everything is a free PDF. Click and print. New word lists unlock every Monday all summer.
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Challenge calendar
All 8 weeks at a glance
Download -
Family bee guide
How to run your bee in week 8
Download -
Champion certificate
One for every kid who finishes
Download
Weekly word lists
| Week | Grades K-1 | Grades 2-3 | Grades 4-5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 June 15 | Download | Download | Download |
| Week 2 June 22 | Unlocks Mon June 22 | ||
| Week 3 June 29 | Unlocks Mon June 29 | ||
| Week 4 July 6 | Unlocks Mon July 6 | ||
| Week 5 July 13 | Unlocks Mon July 13 | ||
| Week 6 July 20 | Unlocks Mon July 20 | ||
| Week 7 July 27 | Unlocks Mon July 27 | ||
| Week 8 August 3 | Unlocks Mon August 3 | ||
Want the lists delivered?
Get each week's word lists in your inbox, one week at a time. Nothing else, ever.
We only use this for the weekly lists. Unsubscribe anytime.
The easiest way to run the challenge
Spell a Bee turns the weekly lists into daily practice. A placement test matches your child's level, an animal buddy cheers them on, and coins are earned by mastering words, never bought. The first level is free.
Code SUMMERBEE gives one month of full access, free. Redeem it in the App Store after downloading.
Made for iPad. No ads. No tracking.
On your phone or computer? The app is iPad only.
Questions
Is it really free?
Yes. The printables are free forever, no signup needed. The app has a free first level, and the code SUMMERBEE gives a free month of everything.
What ages is this for?
Grades K to 5, roughly ages 5 to 11. Pick the word list band that fits your child. Sizing up or down is fine.
Do we need the app?
No. The printables work on their own. The app makes the daily practice easier and a lot more fun.
What if we start late or miss a week?
Start any week. All past lists stay up all summer, and the family bee works whenever you hold it.
Who made this?
Spell a Bee, an iPad spelling app built by a dad of two in Oakland. No ads, no tracking, and coins kids earn by learning, never by paying. More at our press page.
Questions or ideas? Email [email protected]. We read everything.