US20110193290A1 - Methods and apparatus for educational spelling games - Google Patents

Methods and apparatus for educational spelling games Download PDF

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US20110193290A1
US20110193290A1 US13/089,125 US201113089125A US2011193290A1 US 20110193290 A1 US20110193290 A1 US 20110193290A1 US 201113089125 A US201113089125 A US 201113089125A US 2011193290 A1 US2011193290 A1 US 2011193290A1
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spelling
player
level
word
game
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Richard J. Sullivan
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/04—Geographical or like games ; Educational games
    • A63F3/0423—Word games, e.g. scrabble
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B19/00—Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
    • G09B19/06—Foreign languages
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/04—Geographical or like games ; Educational games
    • A63F3/0423—Word games, e.g. scrabble
    • A63F2003/0426—Spelling games
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/18—Question-and-answer games
    • A63F2009/188—Details of questions, e.g. with increasing level of difficulty
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00003—Types of board games
    • A63F3/00006—Board games played along a linear track, e.g. game of goose, snakes and ladders, along an endless track

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to educational games, and particularly to educational games that test a player's spelling ability and helps sharpen a player's spelling skills.
  • Games have previously been disclosed for testing players' knowledge including a player's spelling skills.
  • a player is given the definition of a word and then must guess the defined word. If the player guesses the word correctly, he is then given the opportunity to spell it for a bonus.
  • This game includes different decks of cards with each deck comprising words for given educational, intellectual and age levels so that players of different levels can play together.
  • words are randomly selected from a word storage, e.g. a dictionary, for spelling by a player.
  • the list of words in the word storage may have one or more levels of spelling difficulty wherein the spelling difficulty is chosen by a player during his turn or is randomly determined. If the player spells a word correctly, he is awarded a number of points which can correspond to the level of difficulty of the spelling word. The purpose of the game is to accumulate the highest number of points.
  • This game is not a board game and does not disclose or suggest a plurality of different levels of spelling difficulty within at least one and no more than two consecutive educational grade levels or age levels.
  • a spelling game wherein words of different levels of spelling difficulty are provided within at least one and no more than two consecutive educational grade levels or age levels. It is desirable to have a spelling game that challenges a player to improve his spelling skills regardless of how accomplished the player is as a speller. It is also desirable to provide words of different levels of spelling difficulty in a given game level so that a player may randomly be required to spell words that are considered more difficult within a game level during any turn.
  • Embodiments of the present invention are directed to educational spelling games wherein players are required to spell words of various levels of spelling difficulty within at least one and no more than two educational grade levels or age levels in order to advance.
  • One embodiment comprises a game board, a plurality of playing pieces, a plurality of spelling cards each comprising a plurality of spelling words wherein different words on each of those spelling cards have different levels of spelling difficulty and, the different words are selected from spelling lists from at least one and no more than two consecutive educational grade levels or age levels, most preferably from two educational grade levels, and means for randomly determining the level of spelling difficulty of the word which a player will be asked to spell, e.g. a die, a spinner, or the like.
  • the plurality of spelling cards comprises words of different spelling difficulties within a specific educational grade level.
  • This embodiment of the game comprises collections of cards comprising words of different spelling difficulties within a specific grade level.
  • a single game level can cover no more than two consecutive ages and/or grade levels, e.g. ages 7-8 or grades 7-8.
  • a plurality of card collections each corresponding to spelling words for different game levels may also be provided. For marketing purposes, such additional collections of spelling words may be made available separately.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is an electronic version comprising an annunciator to announce the words.
  • the circuitry randomly determines the difficulty of the word to be spelled, selects a word of that difficulty from the plurality of difficulties within at least one and no more than two consecutive educational grade level or age level and then an annunciator announces the word to be spelled.
  • FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a game board of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a top view of the word side of a “BUZZLEWORD Card” (spelling word card) of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of the direction side of a “BUZZLEBEE Card” of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the direction side of a “BZ-PASS” card of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an electronic embodiment of the present invention.
  • One illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a board game which can be played by a plurality of players, e.g. 2-6 players, of educational grade level 1 and up.
  • players e.g. 2-6 players
  • children's versions of the present game are provided for each of grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-6, grades 7-8, and an adult version is for high school students through adults.
  • each game level preferably comprises no more than two consecutive grade educational levels of consecutive ages.
  • One illustrated embodiment of the game comprises a game board, three hundred spelling cards known as “BUZZLEWORD Cards” as shown in FIG. 2 , designated for the specific game level, fifty “BUZZLEBEE” cards which direct player's moves and which are drawn by players who land on spaces designated as “BEE” spaces on the game board, and a tri-colored die for randomly determining the spelling difficulty of the word to be spelled for each player's turn.
  • This embodiment also comprises a plurality of playing pieces for players to move along the game board.
  • the playing pieces are six bee-shaped figurines each of a different color to identify each different player.
  • players may optionally be provided with a writing implement and paper to write down their spelling words.
  • a dictionary to consult for word derivation, definition and pronunciation.
  • Use of a dictionary with the present game may advantageously sharpen players' reading and vocabulary skills, but is not required.
  • Each spelling card may be marked on one side with the game level of the spelling card and, optionally, a company logo.
  • the other side of the spelling card contains a plurality of words of different difficulties, i.e. the spelling words.
  • the spelling words As indicated in FIG. 2 , there are three words with three different indicia, wherein the different indicia refer to the spelling difficulty.
  • the words on each spelling card are of different spelling difficulties identified herein as EASIER, INTERMEDIATE and MORE DIFFICULT.
  • the EASIER spelling words are denoted by a particular color, e.g. a yellow square preceding the word
  • the INTERMEDIATE spelling words are identified by a different color, e.g.
  • the MORE DIFFICULT spelling words are identified by a third color, e.g. a blue square preceding the word.
  • Some indicia must be provided for identifying the different levels of difficulty, but various indicia may be utilized including different symbols, colors, numbers, fonts, word order on the card, etc.
  • some indicia other than the spelling words themselves is provided on the word side of the spelling cards to indicate their level of difficulty.
  • the die or other random selector used to randomly determine the level of spelling difficulty a player's word will be on a particular turn will also preferably comprise indicia which corresponds to the indicia utilized on the card. According to other embodiments of the present invention, the word itself may be randomly selected.
  • the word itself may be randomly selected, however, in such instances, the word will have been previously assigned a level of difficulty. Therefore, in such embodiments, the level of difficulty will also be selected randomly even though the device for doing the random selection is directed to the word itself rather than the level of difficulty. In such instances, for purposes of the present invention, both the word and the level of spelling difficulty are deemed to be randomly selected.
  • the words that are used on the spelling cards are most preferably from known spelling lists which include high frequency words suggested for teaching in each grade level.
  • known spelling lists is used herein to indicate lists of spelling words found in a common source, e.g. on the world wide web or published in books.
  • grade level is used herein to identify a single division of a school or a collection of persons grouped according to age or the same relative academic ability. According to this embodiment, the different grade levels include each of grades first through eighth grade.
  • Such spelling lists exist for grades one through eight and are posted on the world wide web and are published in books. Examples of suitable spelling lists found on the world wide web include those found on the following web sites:
  • One embodiment comprises a plurality of decks of spelling cards.
  • Each of the decks comprises words from two adjoining grade levels.
  • the spelling cards for Level 1 comprise words from known spelling lists for first and second grade.
  • the spelling cards for Level 2 comprise words from known spelling lists for third and fourth grade;
  • the spelling cards for Level 3 comprise words from known spelling lists for fifth and sixth grade;
  • spelling cards for Level 4 comprise words from known spelling lists for seventh and eighth grade.
  • the spelling cards for the adult level version of the present game comprise words that are at a higher vocabulary level or higher spelling level than eighth grade and which are not commonly found on spelling lists for educational grades one through eight.
  • the words on the spelling cards are categorized by the relative spelling difficulty of the words.
  • Each spelling card has a plurality of spelling words on one side, and preferably at least three words following an EASIER, INTERMEDIATE and MORE DIFFICULT spelling difficulty arrangement. While these category titles are used herein, in an actual game, the categories can be titled “Difficult,” “More Difficult” and “Most Difficult” for the morale of the players.
  • the difficulty of the spelling words may be determined by one or more of the criteria set forth in detail below. Tables 1-5 provide exemplary lists of possible spelling words set forth by game level and subdivided within each game level by spelling difficulty.
  • Table 1 sets forth a spelling word list for Level 1
  • Table 2 sets forth a spelling word list for Level 2
  • Table 3 sets forth a spelling word list for Level 3
  • Table 4 sets forth a spelling word list for Level 4
  • Table 5 sets forth a spelling word list for the adult level of the game.
  • the spelling difficulty of the words in each game level is determined by various criteria. Initially, as noted above, the spelling words for each game level are obtained from known age and educational grade level spelling lists. In order to minimize inconsistencies in determining the appropriate grade level and/or difficulty of any given spelling word(s), words taken from known spelling lists are preferably from the same source.
  • Other criteria useful for determining the difficulties of the spelling words include the word length in letters, number of syllables, the number of silent letters, the number of double letters, how often the average player at a given game level would typically read, write, hear or speak the word in the course of the player's studies, recreational activities and/or normal daily interactions, the number of possible spellings caused by sounds that can be spelled by at least two different letters or combinations of letters following the “non-phonetic rules” described below, the number of homonyms, the degree to which the same sound/letter combinations are contained in other words in the same age or educational grade level of the game or in a lower age or lower educational grade level of the game.
  • One or more of these criteria can be used to distinguish between levels of difficulty for words within a game level.
  • spelling words that are in the EASIER spelling difficulty category are common, everyday words that are spelled exactly as they sound.
  • common every day words is meant words that the average age or educational grade appropriate player would be expected to read, write, hear or speak in the normal course of the player's studies, recreational activities and/or normal daily interactions.
  • the words in the EASIER category of any game level will also generally be shorter in number of letters and of the lowest relative vocabulary difficulty of the words included in that game level.
  • non-phonetic rules For the purposes of this invention, the following are considered to be among the most basic and common non-phonetic letter/sound patterns in the English language and are referred to herein as the “non-phonetic rules”:1)
  • the addition of the letter “e” at the end of a word will generally create a long vowel sound in the preceding vowel; 2)
  • a long “e” sound at the end of a word is generally formed by the letter “y”; 3)
  • a “k” sound at the end of a word is usually formed by the letters “ck”; 4)
  • a “k” sound at the beginning of a word is usually a hard “c” rather than a “k”; 5)
  • the vowel sound in words rhyming with the word “book” is formed by the letters “oo”; 6)
  • the vowel sound in words rhyming with the word “cool” is generally formed by the letters “oo”; 7)
  • the sound “owt” is formed by
  • phonics is used herein to indicate knowledge of symbols, e.g. one or more letters, that represent only one speech sound.
  • Sound/letter patterns and possible spellings and/or questionable spelling sounds which are included in words in the MORE DIFFICULT category of a lower level of the game, can be used in the INTERMEDIATE category of the next highest game level and possibly in the EASIER category of the game levels higher than that.
  • the words in the EASIER category are spelled, for the most part, exactly as they sound, or can be spelled correctly by a player with knowledge of the most basic and common letter/sound patterns of the language of the word to be spelled and because of the words' shorter length in number of letters, the anticipated higher degree of familiarity with the words, it is anticipated that a player's probability of correctly guessing the spelling of a word that the player is unfamiliar with in the EASIER category of any game level will be greater than 75%.
  • the vocabulary level for the INTERMEDIATE spelling words will be higher than that of the EASIER words and the vocabulary level for the MORE DIFFICULT spelling words will be higher than that of the INTERMEDIATE words.
  • alternate spelling indicates that a word has more than one spelling, albeit incorrect, as a result of a sound which may be spelled by at least two different letters or at least two different combinations.
  • words that have alternate spellings include heat or heet, girl or gurl, and coat or cote. Words having alternate spellings also include words that have two different spellings and have different meanings dependent on their spelling, such as heal and heel, and too and two, (i.e. homonyms).
  • INTERMEDIATE spelling difficulty words may also include words with one alternate spelling by reason of a word having an “alternate spelling sound” caused by a silent letter or a double letter.
  • “alternate spelling sound” is a sound that can be formed by either of two different letters or by at least two different combinations of letters. Words containing alternate spelling sounds also include words that have silent letters or double letters.
  • the INTERMEDIATE category words are chosen, for the most part, to suggest only one alternate spelling, a player having knowledge of phonics and non-phonetic rules and utilizes that knowledge, it is anticipated that a player's probability of correctly guessing the spelling of a word that the player is unfamiliar with in the INTERMEDIATE category of any game level will be about 50%.
  • All of the words in the MORE DIFFICULT will suggest at least one improper spelling to the average age or educational grade appropriate player, and many of the words in the MORE DIFFICULT category will suggest two or more improper spellings to such a player.
  • the words categorized in each game level as MORE DIFFICULT are also often identified as “spelling demon” words.
  • repeling demon means words identified as such and words on lists contained on the world wide web or in printed lists or published books of spelling words or words that appear in compilations of the most often misspelled words or in compilations of most difficult spelling words that are contained on the world wide web or in printed lists or published books of spelling words.
  • Words categorized as MORE DIFFICULT within a particular game level will generally be words that the average age or educational appropriate player will be the least familiar with. In other words, words within a particular game level that the average player at a given game level will have the least occasion to use, read, speak and/or hear in the course of that player's studies, recreational activities and/or normal daily interactions.
  • a homonym is a word that is identical in pronunciation to other words but differing in meaning, e.g. hair and hare. If a spelling word has a homonym, a word in parenthesis is written next to the spelling word which the reader uses to distinguish which word should be spelled. For example, if the spelling word is “hair” the word “head” may appear in parenthesis next to it and the reader should say “hair, as in hair on your head”, or make a similar statement when reading the word to the speller.
  • the illustrated embodiment also comprises playing cards which are used to add excitement and competition to the game.
  • the playing cards include “BUZZLEBEE” cards that a player draws during play.
  • Each of these “BUZZLEBEE” cards has instructions which direct a player's movement of his playing piece. These instructions are sometimes beneficial; however, they can also be detrimental.
  • a playing card, which is identified as a “BUZZLEBEE Card” in the preferred embodiment of the game, is drawn when a player lands on one of the “Bee” spaces on the game board. Use of the playing cards and the instructions printed on the playing cards is described more fully below.
  • the random determining means preferably comprises one die which preferably comprises six sides with indicia corresponding to different levels of spelling difficulty. During play, a die is rolled by a player to determine the spelling difficulty of the spelling word to be spelled by that player. Alternatively, the determining means may include a spinner or other such device.
  • the indicia on the die or other determining means comprises one or more different colors, shapes, numbers, other indicia, or a combination of different indicia.
  • This illustrated embodiment uses three different colors, to identify three different levels of spelling difficulty of words on each spelling card.
  • a die using color as an indicia to differentiate the different spelling difficulties has 2 opposite yellow sides, 2 opposite_green sides and 2 opposite blue sides.
  • the yellow indicia identifies words of an EASIER spelling difficulty level
  • the green indicia identifies words of an INTERMEDIATE spelling difficulty level
  • the blue indicia identifies words of a MORE DIFFICULT spelling difficulty level.
  • Play begins by each player selecting one of the playing pieces to move along the game board. The players then place their playing pieces on a START space 11 identified on the board by an indicia at the lower left hand corner of the game board. About one hundred spelling cards are randomly selected from the three hundred spelling cards 30 provided for each game level. If all players are in Level 1 of the game, then only spelling cards from that game level will be used. However, if there are players of different game levels playing, about one hundred spelling cards from each of those different game levels will be randomly selected so that each player is challenged with spelling words of the appropriate game level. After the spelling cards are selected, each deck of selected spelling cards is placed with the spelling word side down and the appropriate stack is moved as play progresses so that it is within the reach of the next reader or a designated reader of the spelling word.
  • a designated person can be chosen who only reads the words and does not take part in spelling any words, i.e. a “designated reader”. Alternatively, if there is not a designated reader, the player to the right of the player rolling the die, i.e., the speller, will be the “reader” for that turn. A player begins his turn by rolling the die to determine the difficulty level of his spelling word. The reader selects a spelling card by drawing the first card from the appropriate deck of spelling words according to the speller's game level and the reader reads the word on the selected spelling card corresponding to the difficulty level determined by the indicia on the die rolled by the speller.
  • the reader will also read the definition and/or derivation for the speller from a dictionary.
  • the speller will, optionally, write his spelling word on a piece of paper, to facilitate his decision on a final spelling.
  • the speller then reads his final spelling of the selected spelling word aloud. If the speller's printed spelling is correct but he mistakenly reads the spelling aloud incorrectly, the spelling will be considered correct if the speller shows his correct printed spelling to the other players and all other printed spelling attempts are crossed out.
  • the reader then announces if the word is spelled correctly and, if it is correct, the reader then shows the spelling to the other players so that they can verify that the word was spelled correctly.
  • the speller then moves his playing piece on the game board.
  • the difficulty level of the word spelled correctly is used to determine how many spaces the player moves his playing piece.
  • a correct spelling of an EASIER spelling word allows the speller to move one space on the game board while a correct spelling of an INTERMEDIATE spelling word results in a two space move, and a correct spelling of a MORE DIFFICULT spelling word results in a three space move of the speller's playing piece.
  • Alternative numbers of spaces can be utilized, as can other measurements of advancement in other embodiments. For example, a player can be awarded a higher number of points for a MORE DIFFICULT word than for an INTERMEDIATE word in a game wherein scores are based upon points.
  • the spelling card used by the speller i.e. the used spelling card
  • the next player takes his turn by rolling the die to determine his spelling word difficulty.
  • the player who was just the speller then becomes the reader for the next speller's turn.
  • the new reader draws the next card from the appropriate spelling deck and reads the appropriate spelling word to the next speller.
  • Each player continues taking turns rolling the die to determine the difficulty of their spelling word to be spelled and spelling the words until all players have had one turn. After all players have had a chance to spell a word, they continue in the same order.
  • the spelling cards run out for any given spelling level during play, another one hundred spelling cards are randomly chosen from the spelling cards provided. In the event that all three hundred spelling cards in any given level are used during one game, the discarded spelling cards are reshuffled, and placed face down to be re-used as needed. In the event that a spelling word turns up twice in the same game after the spelling cards are re-shuffled, that card should be discarded and the next card should be used.
  • the object of the game is to be the first player to move from the START space to a FINISH space.
  • the FINISH space is located on the upper right hand corner of the illustrated game board and is identified by an indicia, such as a bee hive in a tree.
  • An embodiment of the present game board is shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the game board 10 comprises several game spaces beginning at the START space 11 and ending at the FINISH space 12 . Some of these game spaces are identified as BONUS spaces which are distinguished by different indicia and are more fully described below.
  • the illustrated embodiment has eighteen BONUS spaces. A number of these BONUS spaces are identified with an indicia of a bee and are called BEE spaces 13 .
  • BEE spaces 13 When a player lands on a BEE space 13 , he is required to randomly draw one of a plurality of cards that are known in the preferred embodiment as “BUZZLEBEE” Cards. Examples of the “BUZZLEBEE” Cards are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
  • Each of the “BUZZLEBEE Cards” has instructions written on one side which directs the player's next playing piece movement, which is sometimes beneficial to the player, or sometimes detrimental.
  • Directions on the “BUZZLEBEE” Cards include 1) directing a player to move his playing piece to another BONUS space and follow the directions of the other BONUS space, 2) directing a player to go to the nearest space located on a “shortcut,” 3) directing a player to move to the space three spaces behind the leader, and 4) directing the player to send another player back a certain number of spaces. If a BUZZLEBEE card directs a player to move three spaces behind the leader, the player must move his playing piece three spaces behind the player who is closest to the FINISH space 12 .
  • the player must also follow the directions on the playing card and move back three spaces from where the player is when the playing card is drawn. If the BUZZLEBEE CARD directs a player to send another player back, the player can send the playing piece of a player of his choosing back five spaces. Players are moved back no matter where they are on the game board, even if they are on a BRIDGE or on the BEE-LINE EXPRESS. The BRIDGE and BEE-LINE EXPRESS are identified below. If the player who is sent back is less than five spaces from the START, he moves back to the START 11 .
  • BONUS cards are to give a player who is far behind some hope of catching up, so that the player does not lose interest in playing.
  • Additional BONUS spaces on the game board include other indicia and upon landing on such spaces, a player must follow the directions for that particular BONUS space.
  • some BONUS spaces include flower indicia and are identified as FLOWER spaces 15 . If a player lands on a FLOWER space 15 , the player advances his playing piece two spaces.
  • other BONUS spaces include indicia of a honey pot and are identified as HONEY POT spaces 14 . If a player lands on a HONEY POT space 14 , the player is allowed an extra turn to roll the die and, therefore, an opportunity to spell another word.
  • the game board comprises a plurality of shortcuts which allow a player to move ahead and bypass a number of spaces.
  • the spaces comprise a continuous circuitous path, as shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the spaces create loops on the right and left of the game board.
  • the SHORTCUT spaces 18 comprise three spaces, a space with an indicia such as a spider web 19 , a blank space and a second spider web space 19 .
  • These shortcuts are identified as “BEE-LINE EXPRESS” spaces 17 .
  • the “BEE-LINE EXPRESS” spaces 17 are accessed when a player reaches the space marked “BEE-LINE EXPRESS” which is positioned at the bottom of a SHORTCUT 18 as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • BONUS spaces such as those identified above, i.e. FLOWER spaces 15 and/or HONEY POT spaces 14 , are placed along the loops of the path.
  • the BRIDGE 16 there is a BRIDGE 16 near the FINISH 12 as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the BRIDGE 16 has an upper level and a lower level.
  • the upper level of the BRIDGE 16 is similar to the SHORTCUT spaces 18 and comprises a spider web space 19 , a blank space and another spider web space 19 .
  • the lower level 20 of the BRIDGE 16 follows the regular game board path and comprises a number of spaces, preferably at least three spaces marked with an indicia, such as B-Z PASS ONLY.
  • the space before the BRIDGE 16 is marked with an indicia such as an arrow 21 pointing in the direction of the upper level of the BRIDGE 16 , or by some other method to indicate that it is a special space.
  • This space is followed by a “barrier” 22 in the direction of the lower level of the BRIDGE which serves as a visual reminder that the space cannot be passed according to the normal game movement rules.
  • a “barrier” 22 in the direction of the lower level of the BRIDGE which serves as a visual reminder that the space cannot be passed according to the normal game movement rules.
  • the player When a player reaches the ARROW space 21 , the player must stop unless the player has acquired one of the B-Z PASS cards available in the BUZZLEBEE card deck as shown in FIG. 4 . If a player does not have a B-Z PASS card, he must move across the upper level of the BRIDGE 16 . After landing on the ARROW space 21 , the player must wait until his next turn to spell a MORE DIFFICULT spelling words to move past the first spider web on the upper level of the BRIDGE 16 .
  • a player on the BRIDGE 16 must continue to attempt to spell MORE DIFFICULT spelling words until he correctly spells a second MORE DIFFICULT spelling word. If the player correctly spells a second MORE DIFFICULT spelling word, the player moves over the second spider web 19 on the BRIDGE 16 and back onto the regular game board path.
  • Players who have B-Z Pass cards do not need to move past the barrier of the upper level of the BRIDGE 16 , but rather can move across the lower level of the BRIDGE 20 according to the regular rules of the game by handing in the B-Z PASS card that they previously obtained.
  • the illustrated board game and cards are provided only as examples. From the present description, one skilled in the art could design alternatives without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • different game boards can be designed to appeal to the particular age level of the players, such as a first version for grades 1 through 4, and a second version for grades 5 through 8.
  • These and/or adult board versions may also incorporate educational and ecological information about bees.
  • a special optional rule will prevail. If the players decide to apply the special optional rule, when a player spells a word incorrectly, the player in last place is given an opportunity to “steal” that word by correctly spelling the word. This player is referred to herein as the “alternate speller.” The alternate speller must not be the reader, must not be the original speller and must be in the same game level as the original speller, or in a lower game level. If the player that is in last place is supposed to be the next reader, another player can read the card instead so that the alternate speller rule is available to the player in last place.
  • a player that is on one of the spaces between the spider webs on the BEE-LINE EXPRESS or on either space on the BRIDGE is not eligible to be an alternate speller.
  • a player on the first space of a BEE-LINE EXPRESS is eligible to be an alternate speller but may use a correctly spelled “stolen” word only to move around the loop along the regular spaces on the playing board, not across the BEE-LINE EXPRESS shortcut.
  • each player must roll the die to determine who will be considered the first alternate speller.
  • priority of the colors corresponds to the level of difficulty, i.e. the highest colors will be the color that is designated for the MORE DIFFICULT words. If the players roll the same indicia on the die, there is a tie and they must roll the die again. An incorrect answer will not be penalized and the alternate player will still take his or her regular turn. If the first alternate speller does not spell the word correctly, then the player that is in next to last place, i.e. the second alternate speller, can attempt to spell the word.
  • each of the other eligible players can attempt to spell the word, in reverse order of their position on the game board until the word is spelled correctly or until all eligible players have had a chance, whichever occurs first. If an alternate speller correctly spells the misspelled word, he moves the number of spaces designated for the word.
  • an alternate speller who is in a lower game level than the original speller and who correctly spells the misspelled word will be awarded a one space bonus for each level that he is below the original speller. For example, if an alternate speller in Level 1 correctly spells a MORE DIFFICULT word from Level 2, the alternate speller moves his playing piece four spaces, i.e. three spaces for correctly spelling a MORE DIFFICULT word plus one additional space because the word is one level above the alternate speller's level.
  • the alternate speller has the option to choose not to take the one additional space bonus, if he decides that to do so is not beneficial.
  • this rule is to make the game more competitive by mitigating the effect of the age advantage within each grade level, e.g. 3 rd graders versus 4 th graders competing within the same game level, i.e. Level 2.
  • This rule allows the involvement of more than one player in the game on each word, gives the younger and/or less accomplished players more practice spelling words, and challenges younger players to attempt to spell more difficult words.
  • the winner of the present spelling game is the first player to reach the FINISH space.
  • the final move made by a player to land on the FINISH space is preferably by an exact number of spaces. For example, if a player is two spaces away from the FINISH and rolls an indicia that would allow him more than two spaces then the player must wait until his next turn to roll the die again.
  • the reader will use the dictionary pronunciation guide, if the reader is not familiar with the correct pronunciation.
  • the rules will also encourage parents to become involved as designated readers and will encourage the reader to show the playing card to the other players and ask for their help (except the speller and last place alternate speller) if the reader has a question about the word's pronunciation so that a proper pronunciation of the word can be made.
  • the game can be played in teams, with each team taking one playing piece.
  • a team can be identified by the color of the game piece, e.g. the “red” team or the “orange” team.
  • the members of the team elect a team captain. During play, the teammates discuss the spelling of the word among themselves, and the captain then announces the team's final spelling answer.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an electronic version comprising an annunciator to announce the spelling words.
  • Use of the annunciator eliminates the need for a designated reader for the game or that the players take turns being the reader. It also allows the last player to be an “alternate speller” in the optional game of play without concern over whether the last player was the reader for that particular turn.
  • the use of the electronic annunciator further sharpens the player's skill in word pronunciation because the players will not question the pronunciation of a word by a reader as may occur in a non-electronic version.
  • a preferred electronic embodiment shown in FIG. 5 comprises internal circuitry for randomly determining the difficulty of the word to be spelled.
  • This embodiment comprises a row of five buttons 51 a - 51 e for players to input the game level of the word to be announced and spelled by the player whose turn it is.
  • This embodiment also comprises a button 53 which is depressed in order to have the device 50 announce a word. Upon depression of button 53 , device 50 randomly chooses a word and announces the word.
  • the difficulty level of the word is indicated by one of three lights wherein light 62 is yellow and indicates an EASIER word, a green light 64 indicates an INTERMEDIATE word, and a blue light 66 which indicates a MORE DIFFICULT word.
  • button 53 If a player wishes to have a word repeated, a player can depress button 53 again and device 50 will repeat the word. In order to obtain a definition of the word, button 55 is depressed and device 50 will announce a definition or provide some other indication of the word's meaning.
  • device 50 After a player has spelled the word, upon depressing button 57 device 50 will provide an indication of the correct spelling of the word. According to this illustrated embodiment, that indication is provided audibly through speaker 75 and visibly on rotatable electronic screen 70 , however, in alternative embodiments the correct spelling can be provided either audibly or visibly.
  • Depressing button 53 device 50 will continue to announce the same word until the device has received input that a new word is desired by the depression of button 59 . When it is time to move on to a different word, button 59 is depressed prior to the depression of button 53 .
  • the electronic annunciator further comprises circuitry for identifying machine-readable indicia such as a bar code reader.
  • the spelling cards are provided with some machine-readable indicia, such as a bar code. Such code may be on the same side of the spelling cards that shows the spelling words. Upon passing the spelling card through the bar code reader and the annunciator announces the appropriate word.
  • the annunciator further comprises means for inputting a spelling word, which is then announced by the annunciator.
  • This input means comprises a keyboard.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a game show embodiment wherein a game show host is the designated reader.
  • This embodiment can be played by individual players or by teams.
  • there are multiple categories of word difficulties chosen by incorporating into the highest categories words included in the MORE DIFFICULT category of the board game as well as words used in the championship level of known national spelling bees.
  • contestants are asked to spell words chosen in the same manner as are the words included in the EASIER and INTERMEDIATE levels of the game in the earlier rounds of the competition for lower amounts of points and/or money and to progressively spell more difficult words as the game progresses, with the penalty of losing accumulated points or money if a word is misspelled.
  • all three contestants spell a randomly selected word and the dollar and/or point value of a correctly spelled word is determined by the percentage of members of the studio audience and or viewers who spell the same word incorrectly, (e.g. if 75% of the viewers spell the word incorrectly the player earns $7,500 for correctly spelling the word or, if 25% of the studio audience/viewers spell the word incorrectly, the player earns $2,500 for correctly spelling the word.
  • the viewer/studio_audience spelling of the word could be done by text messaging or by some other electronic means.
  • the winning player for each game advances to play against two new contestants in the next game and continues to play until he or she lost.
  • the members of the studio audience can qualify as contestants for the next game by scoring the most number of points based upon their spelling answers in the previous game. Viewers can qualify for inclusion in the studio audience on the same basis.
  • players compete against each other by attempting to simultaneously spell the same randomly determined word within a pre-determined time limit (e.g. 15 seconds).
  • a misspelled word prevents a player from being able to advance to the next randomly determined spelling word.
  • the last one hundred players remaining would earn points in reverse order of their finish (e.g. one hundred points for first place, one point for 100 th place). Results would be tabulated daily with the top players being identified by their chosen code name.

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for educational spelling games wherein players are required to spell words of various levels of spelling difficulty and a player's degree of advancement depends on the difficulty level of the word. One version is a game board with a plurality of playing pieces, a plurality of spelling cards, each spelling card comprising a plurality of spelling words wherein different words on each of those spelling cards comprise different levels of spelling difficulty within at least one educational grade level or age level, preferably within two consecutive educational grade levels, and a die for randomly determining the level of spelling difficulty of the word which a player will be asked to spell. Preferably, there are at least three words of different levels of spelling difficulty on each spelling card. Also disclosed are electronic versions comprising an annunciator to announce the words, game show versions, computer game versions and internet-based versions.

Description

    RELATED APPLICATION DATA
  • This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/010,625 filed Jan. 9, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if repeated herein in its entirety.
  • The present invention is directed to educational games, and particularly to educational games that test a player's spelling ability and helps sharpen a player's spelling skills.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Games have previously been disclosed for testing players' knowledge including a player's spelling skills. In one previously disclosed game, a player is given the definition of a word and then must guess the defined word. If the player guesses the word correctly, he is then given the opportunity to spell it for a bonus. This game includes different decks of cards with each deck comprising words for given educational, intellectual and age levels so that players of different levels can play together.
  • In another previously disclosed spelling game, words are randomly selected from a word storage, e.g. a dictionary, for spelling by a player. In various embodiments, the list of words in the word storage may have one or more levels of spelling difficulty wherein the spelling difficulty is chosen by a player during his turn or is randomly determined. If the player spells a word correctly, he is awarded a number of points which can correspond to the level of difficulty of the spelling word. The purpose of the game is to accumulate the highest number of points. This game, however, is not a board game and does not disclose or suggest a plurality of different levels of spelling difficulty within at least one and no more than two consecutive educational grade levels or age levels.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In order to provide greater challenges and games of greater interest, it is particularly desirable to provide a spelling game wherein words of different levels of spelling difficulty are provided within at least one and no more than two consecutive educational grade levels or age levels. It is desirable to have a spelling game that challenges a player to improve his spelling skills regardless of how accomplished the player is as a speller. It is also desirable to provide words of different levels of spelling difficulty in a given game level so that a player may randomly be required to spell words that are considered more difficult within a game level during any turn. It is also desirable to allow players who are of the same or nearly the same age or educational grade level to compete against each other using the same set of spelling words, while allowing players of a different age or grade level to play the game at the same time using a different set of spelling words appropriate for their age level or educational grade level.
  • Embodiments of the present invention are directed to educational spelling games wherein players are required to spell words of various levels of spelling difficulty within at least one and no more than two educational grade levels or age levels in order to advance. One embodiment comprises a game board, a plurality of playing pieces, a plurality of spelling cards each comprising a plurality of spelling words wherein different words on each of those spelling cards have different levels of spelling difficulty and, the different words are selected from spelling lists from at least one and no more than two consecutive educational grade levels or age levels, most preferably from two educational grade levels, and means for randomly determining the level of spelling difficulty of the word which a player will be asked to spell, e.g. a die, a spinner, or the like.
  • According to one embodiment, the plurality of spelling cards comprises words of different spelling difficulties within a specific educational grade level. Preferably, there are at least three words of different levels of spelling difficulty on each spelling card. This embodiment of the game comprises collections of cards comprising words of different spelling difficulties within a specific grade level. A single game level can cover no more than two consecutive ages and/or grade levels, e.g. ages 7-8 or grades 7-8. A plurality of card collections each corresponding to spelling words for different game levels may also be provided. For marketing purposes, such additional collections of spelling words may be made available separately.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is an electronic version comprising an annunciator to announce the words. In a preferred electronic embodiment, the circuitry randomly determines the difficulty of the word to be spelled, selects a word of that difficulty from the plurality of difficulties within at least one and no more than two consecutive educational grade level or age level and then an annunciator announces the word to be spelled.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a game board of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a top view of the word side of a “BUZZLEWORD Card” (spelling word card) of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of the direction side of a “BUZZLEBEE Card” of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the direction side of a “BZ-PASS” card of one embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an electronic embodiment of the present invention.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • One illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a board game which can be played by a plurality of players, e.g. 2-6 players, of educational grade level 1 and up. For example, children's versions of the present game are provided for each of grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-6, grades 7-8, and an adult version is for high school students through adults. For grades eight and lower, or ages 13 and lower, each game level preferably comprises no more than two consecutive grade educational levels of consecutive ages.
  • One illustrated embodiment of the game comprises a game board, three hundred spelling cards known as “BUZZLEWORD Cards” as shown in FIG. 2, designated for the specific game level, fifty “BUZZLEBEE” cards which direct player's moves and which are drawn by players who land on spaces designated as “BEE” spaces on the game board, and a tri-colored die for randomly determining the spelling difficulty of the word to be spelled for each player's turn. This embodiment also comprises a plurality of playing pieces for players to move along the game board. In one embodiment, the playing pieces are six bee-shaped figurines each of a different color to identify each different player.
  • During play, players may optionally be provided with a writing implement and paper to write down their spelling words. Also useful during play is a dictionary to consult for word derivation, definition and pronunciation. Use of a dictionary with the present game may advantageously sharpen players' reading and vocabulary skills, but is not required.
  • Each spelling card may be marked on one side with the game level of the spelling card and, optionally, a company logo. The other side of the spelling card contains a plurality of words of different difficulties, i.e. the spelling words. As indicated in FIG. 2, there are three words with three different indicia, wherein the different indicia refer to the spelling difficulty. Preferably, there are at least three spelling words on each card. The words on each spelling card are of different spelling difficulties identified herein as EASIER, INTERMEDIATE and MORE DIFFICULT. In one embodiment, the EASIER spelling words are denoted by a particular color, e.g. a yellow square preceding the word, the INTERMEDIATE spelling words are identified by a different color, e.g. a green square preceding the word, and the MORE DIFFICULT spelling words are identified by a third color, e.g. a blue square preceding the word. Some indicia must be provided for identifying the different levels of difficulty, but various indicia may be utilized including different symbols, colors, numbers, fonts, word order on the card, etc. In any event, some indicia other than the spelling words themselves is provided on the word side of the spelling cards to indicate their level of difficulty. The die or other random selector used to randomly determine the level of spelling difficulty a player's word will be on a particular turn will also preferably comprise indicia which corresponds to the indicia utilized on the card. According to other embodiments of the present invention, the word itself may be randomly selected. For example, in an electronic version, including a television version, or a computer based version, the word itself may be randomly selected, however, in such instances, the word will have been previously assigned a level of difficulty. Therefore, in such embodiments, the level of difficulty will also be selected randomly even though the device for doing the random selection is directed to the word itself rather than the level of difficulty. In such instances, for purposes of the present invention, both the word and the level of spelling difficulty are deemed to be randomly selected.
  • The words that are used on the spelling cards are most preferably from known spelling lists which include high frequency words suggested for teaching in each grade level. The term “known spelling lists” is used herein to indicate lists of spelling words found in a common source, e.g. on the world wide web or published in books. The term “grade level” is used herein to identify a single division of a school or a collection of persons grouped according to age or the same relative academic ability. According to this embodiment, the different grade levels include each of grades first through eighth grade. Such spelling lists exist for grades one through eight and are posted on the world wide web and are published in books. Examples of suitable spelling lists found on the world wide web include those found on the following web sites:
  • http://www.asij.ac.jp/elementary/gr1web/cla/100%20words.htm
    http://wwW.wcusd15.org/ses/spelling2.htm
    http://www.time4learning.com/SpellingWords/3rd-grade-spelling-words.shtml
    http://www.time4learning.com/SpellingWords/4th-grade-spelling-words.shtml
    http://www.ohsd.net/index2.cfm?page=_c2&cid1&cid2=179
    http://aschilb.emsd37.org/Spelling/spellling2nd.htm
    http://www.time4learning.com/SpellingWords/1st-grade-spelling-words.shtml
    http://www.delano.k12.mn.us/sitepages/pid323.php
    http://www.gowrie.k12.ia.us/3rdgrade/spelling.asp
    http://web.dps.k12.va.us/ParkAve/spelling.htm
    http://www.delano.k12.mn.us/sitepages/pid137.php
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp12.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp11.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp10.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp9.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp8.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp7.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp6.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp5.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp4.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp3.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp2.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp16.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp15.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp14.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp1.htm
    http://www.time4learning.com/SpellingWords/5th-grade-spelling-words.shtml
    http://boe.berk.k12.wv.us/217/tospell5.htm
    http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/˜bblack/sp13.htm
    http://www.ohsd.net/index2.cfm?page=_c2&cid1=61&cid2=179
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/stormigiovanni.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/explodingants.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staffibburson/webcreation/spelling/stretchingourselves.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/westlandia.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/mahaliajackson.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/dinosaurshawkins.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/leonardoshorse.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/wingsforking.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/midnightride.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/janegoodall.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/passagefreedom.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/insideout.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/satchelpaige.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/islanddolphins.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/thunderrose.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/frindle.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/gymnast.html
    http://www.nhcs.k12.in.us/staff/bburson/webcreation/spelling/chilinpurse.html
    http://www.all-about-spelling.com/spelling-list-for-6th-grade.html
    http://www.time4learning.com/SpellingWords/6th-grade-spelling-words.shtml
    http://www.home2teach.com/Spelling5-6.html
    http://www.time4learning.com/SpellingWords/7th-grade-spelling-words.shtml
    http://www.time4learning.com/SpellingWords/8th-grade-spelling-words.shtml
    http://www.justinrudd.com/adultbee.html
  • One embodiment comprises a plurality of decks of spelling cards. Each of the decks comprises words from two adjoining grade levels. The spelling cards for Level 1 comprise words from known spelling lists for first and second grade. Similarly, the spelling cards for Level 2 comprise words from known spelling lists for third and fourth grade; the spelling cards for Level 3 comprise words from known spelling lists for fifth and sixth grade; and spelling cards for Level 4 comprise words from known spelling lists for seventh and eighth grade. The spelling cards for the adult level version of the present game comprise words that are at a higher vocabulary level or higher spelling level than eighth grade and which are not commonly found on spelling lists for educational grades one through eight.
  • As noted above, the words on the spelling cards are categorized by the relative spelling difficulty of the words. Each spelling card has a plurality of spelling words on one side, and preferably at least three words following an EASIER, INTERMEDIATE and MORE DIFFICULT spelling difficulty arrangement. While these category titles are used herein, in an actual game, the categories can be titled “Difficult,” “More Difficult” and “Most Difficult” for the morale of the players. The difficulty of the spelling words may be determined by one or more of the criteria set forth in detail below. Tables 1-5 provide exemplary lists of possible spelling words set forth by game level and subdivided within each game level by spelling difficulty. Table 1 sets forth a spelling word list for Level 1, Table 2 sets forth a spelling word list for Level 2, Table 3 sets forth a spelling word list for Level 3, Table 4 sets forth a spelling word list for Level 4, and Table 5 sets forth a spelling word list for the adult level of the game.
  • TABLE 1
    LEVEL 1 - 1ST & 2ND GRADE
    MORE
    EASIER INTERMEDIATE DIFFICULT
    mind broom wheel
    map serve clue
    hard sixth would (please)
    base team (group) wear (put on)
    pump throw sunny
    wild duck write (pen)
    salt straw blue (color)
    hay court morning (a.m.)
    mad cloud really
    step word ahead
    bark off slight
    shut tie whole (all)
    tray least already
    book extra sea (water)
    cool bear (animal) thumb
    mile tune probably
    frog seal half
    fire sore (hurt) correct
    loop pane (glass) window
    hold store than (bigger)
    home never funny
    string seat before
    clam roast ready
    fool crack wrote (pen)
    twig use above
    melt beach cousin
    star ground queen
    long floor pie
    took mean curve
    bell peek (look) enough
    win sound loose
    hug peach one (1)
    trip crow breeze
    low roar (lion) circus
    king after family
    tent roof worm
    day story chance
    play bird coal
    like neat scratch
    deep back stitch
    sky found squirt
    woke enter yellow
    most quiz goat
    tame burn fence
    talk meal gone
    hike false woman
    cold bean true
    far loud night
    bull proud watch
    cry work useful
    try body suit
    gas moon chief
    fork chore kitten
    flip shirt earth
    ink drew boat
    list space sigh
    ate (food) race because
    born earn (money) sugar
    stink eat mail (letter)
    band train number
    chop stain cheese
    torn your (belongs to) again
    date park summer
    ant what when
    yet more answer
    chill only question
    bend ice sure
    bun quilt their (belongs to}
    find size squeeze
    such house paid
    sank room white
    gift draw (art) through (door)
    side soon sour
    spoke table choose
    now wait towel
    belt frown while
    pig silk tease
    hall stew vowel
    cook stick sign
    lane live guard
    keep mouse said
    late rice below
    yard chew bright
    drive very almost
    bike flew (bird) daddy
    fish guy laugh
    spill black school
    spend prove awful
    gold gain always
    must aid could
    lost spoon should
    choke child grown
    bus (school) cheat mommy
    harm door climb
    full gown pretty
    twist quit witch (broom)
    went candy where (place)
    wall wise believe
    also animal shoe
    walk open instead
    much own dollar
    rope prize cough
    ship out guess
    want close (door) light
    fox deal minute
    strong egg tea (drink)
    shed world different
    short shout eight (8)
    time (clock) boil kneel
    song food little
    pay dew (mist) soften
    pants fifth which (one)
    damp early sight (eyes)
    well saw (looked) dumb
    tree hose choice
    corn heal (fix) pour (milk)
    stop speed fight
    ago real (true) wrong
    sun (sky) those dropped
    bush wood (tree) whisper
    make sock piece (part of)
    big pound thought
    fly meat (food) fruit
    cow stuff rhyme
    arm fifty high (up)
    start hair (head) usually
    bee (insect) oil once
    thing maybe rough
    chip boot eyes
    doll hurt too (also)
    kite soil waist (belt)
    horn skirt lie (false)
    shark fair (o.k.) niece
    warm dirt two (2)
    rake horse (ride) pail (bucket)
    milk pair (two) scent (smell)
    row son (boy) friend
    sleep pass tale (story)
    flag coat between
    take snore blew (wind)
    hive made (bed) bounce
    dog stair (step) does
    how share knot (rope)
    fist dear (sir) surprise
    chin easy cereal (food)
    stamp water often
    may feet (socks) sail (boat)
    toss sum (total) some (part)
    cost mane (lion) main (chief)
    name steal (take) ounce
    boss teach please
    pot couch tail (wag)
    card change wheat
    man front guest
    small wore (clothes) taught
    land weed banana
    vote show poem
    dust fail honey
    barn taste daughter
    ray icy phone
    sting sister scary
    mom worn (clothes) idea
    bank first busy
    fast girl brother
    bump mark goal
    plan kick pea (pod)
    sang won (game) soap
    hope teeth beautiful
    call shake breath
    say lose against
    joy mess across
    dish beast done
    bring deer (animal) pillow
    six love bread
    dig around tough
    twin flake either
    dark field behind
    bag over view
    bug clean picture
    tell fluff patch
    hang clock quiet
    put dial glue
    bone feel been (was)
    beg form nothing
    lake sack catch
    all about since
    men scoop soup
    old third itch
    joke they tight
    ball few blood
    got away wool
    jet second color
    jaw feed church
    test glass flea (insect)
    slip under cruel
    thank cream during
    spin dream flight
    mild mouth none (not any)
    nest stone many
    boy mister goes
    car speak there (place)
    west blow touch
    wash clown hungry
    curb fear parent
    tub rail hello
    fog peak (top) sword
    fix flame whip
    sold baby wrist
    wing brake (car) gently
    snap chase ache
    rush raw (meat) toes (foot)
    wish move favorite
    bent froze style
    see (eyes) chose problem
    cat waste (garbage) something
    rude hear (sound) meant
    shop heel (foot) money
    crib cheer chalk
    look river hour (time)
    way visit silly
    pet beak aunt
    farm next threw (ball)
    will tooth whose
    glow head circle
    with place children
    brush any smooth
    dress shape fought
    both exit switch
    just uncle birthday
    less slow gloves
    push odd prince
    pest green follow
    bite (teeth) feast serious
    fall zero sew (hem)
    paw (cat) danger thread
    lamp curl build
    pill inch voice
    stem truth whisker
    bad leave bought
    cash twice station
    dot greet alphabet
    dad rule pencil
    lump tool yesterday
    sell heat pause (stop)
    dash come every
    box east great (good)
    sand coast letter
    set float pony
    cake sir sale (less $)
    fun join alright
    top jail peace (calm)
    sad meet (me) together
    flash root (tree) right (correct)
    free rare know (get it)
    think rain (clouds) force
    toy buy (pay for) pear (fruit)
    trash rock thirsty
    them pain (hurt) laid
    ring (bell) beat (drum) puppy
    gum poor marry
    hog pale (white) city
    lift brain bottom
    rest learn someone
    grow empty brought
    into street knock
    pool cowboy whale (sea)
    snow snail farther (away)
    wet leak (water) knee
    wake cheek says
    soft brown frighten
    best war (army) until
    met toast middle
    cub mitten butter
    fill four (4) male (man)
    kind spice father (dad)
    wag without afraid
    bake block cause
    miss sheet then (after that)
    you (not me) reach coin
    she why orange
    bow (tie) chair sneeze
    wave town heard (sound)
    good bowl swear
    save dock apple
    kiss pray (kneel) goose
    jump face biggest
    bath quick crazy
    frost strange people
    pull sent (mail) happy
    plus ton mother
    stand today caught
    loss break (dish) might (could)
    hot treat address
    hook score cent (coin)
    tall coach heart
    desk pinch heavy
    stay round several
    camp hole (donut) giant
    flow year trouble
    sing maid (girl) coming
  • TABLE 2
    LEVEL 2-3RD & 4TH GRADE
    MORE
    EASIER INTERMEDIATE DIFFICULT
    regular disappoint scenery
    butter basic excellent
    about officer anchor
    tackle anyone whistle
    roof heaven alien
    computer addition celery
    queen written carriage
    label subtraction league
    leaf nervous tomorrow
    once wreck captain
    season slight grieve
    planet doubt government
    become people delicious
    while comb concern
    window comfort awfully
    waffle quickly practice
    towel occur business
    happen special tongue
    student brilliant village
    shower famous adjust
    supper beautiful island
    tonight garage guitar
    bounce quarrel recipe
    increase achieve sheriff
    airport palace autumn
    lose although doubtful
    touch across distance
    amaze library giraffe
    cattle supreme cocoa
    tardy underwear engine
    miracle police balance
    curse convinced therefore
    relax religion squirrel
    everyone address accident
    protect center seizure
    cabinet paragraph strength
    barber Saturday muscle (arm)
    prefer grateful pageant
    bathroom powerful weighed
    puzzle smoking certain
    locket gallon emergency
    handle Tuesday cupboard
    mirror carrot (food) canoe
    radio meadow buffalo
    angle elephant sentence
    camel thankful length
    angel ghost headache
    flower (plant) cactus veil
    foggy highway definitely
    tornado vanilla marvelous
    popular accept (allow) equipment
    mistake tailor straighten
    figure sensible medicine
    cable peanut allowance
    whatever confident vacuum
    ticket central belief
    crooked introduce chimney
    bucket August cinnamon
    fault actress receive
    nature refrigerator seize (take)
    hamburger typist neighbor
    shallow several scissors
    history dual (two) glacier
    fumble tearful typical
    polite mountain toilet
    shovel neither suggest
    mustard channel spinach
    minister passenger relief
    exactly correct blonde
    uncle wonderful baggage
    pocket acrobat violence
    travel squeak jewel
    enjoy continue cruised
    fiddle cannon (gun) rhythm
    amount vacant laziness
    tissue process voyage
    yogurt healthy wrap (present)
    daily loosen sugar
    deposit February labeled
    animal paid comma
    arrow cushion auditorium
    amuse damage certificate
    south urgent physical
    acorn patient experience
    asleep listen hydrant
    foul (not fair) terrible knowledge
    memory often clothes (shirt)
    turkey fudge exercise (use)
    zipper destroy orchestra
    middle dumb religious
    stir cocoon stopped
    weather (rain) highlight entrance
    course (path) unknown beginner
    oath butcher breathe
    pillow typhoon yacht
    glove lovely referee
    monkey thumb bruised
    contain priest taught
    April badge burglar
    pupil soldier dessert
    easily sewing raccoon
    bonus colorful banquet
    perfume wrist restaurant
    beneath costume diaper
    human curtain forty
    raisin serpent sunnier
    gallop shadow weird
    razor squeeze flour (bake)
    speech trouble villain
    desert rodeo vegetable
    reason Sunday gnaw
    square Thursday moisture
    growth disappear bouquet
    cotton handsome gnat
    patio imagine cauliflower
    dribble humid shepherd
    example inventor skiing
    fence hurtful iron
    wealth awhile ogre
    stingy China courage
    prize budge wrestle
    Friday resemble bargain
    truly vision roommate
    wagon rescue juice
    dealt justice circuit
    prepare cyclone excel
    advise poem porpoise
    teacher onion dinosaur
    relative circle privilege
    kingdom tunnel lying
    dollar violet reindeer
    complete gentle rhinoceros
    above traffic routine
    waitress thief gasoline
    butterfly laid cabbage
    serious surround dictionary
    nicest stretch success
    expect value faucet
    picnic notice temperature
    airplane million precious
    public plumber beggar
    deny surface decimal
    yellow kneel audience
    skier knock governor
    envelope knife detour
    worm chef chocolate
    pajamas promise karate
    tractor terrific knapsack
    harvest alright broccoli
    suppose emperor knight (armor)
    motion guess groceries
    author military century
    scary disguise scheme
    screen toward leopard
    humor hasten sandwich
    button phase capital (letter)
    useful pledge ballet
    liquid lecture machine
    foolish plastic chisel
    monster impossible quizzical
    skeleton goes lunar
    decay Australia coconut
    populate young summary
    chuckle France guilty
    museum niece genius
    theme science xylophone
    bacon eighth laboratory
    station fuel decent
    crawl whether (if) disease
    produce twilight cider
    depth laundry favorite
    universe message oyster
    instead except (not) knot (rope)
    sorrow imagination ocean
    haze average macaroni
    doctor motor troubling
    dental guard unfortunate
    opinion decision specify
    blossom interest existence
    horizon bicycle duel (fight)
    chosen limb reference
    tangle bomb gauge
    dawn treasure handkerchief
    cuff among fountain
    choice answer chorus
    poor finally debt
    another Indian cello
    wonder recent celebrate
    power freight forehead
    county coward absence
    helmet kitchen budget
    advice pounce weight (pound)
    umbrella charcoal deceive
    equal victim column
    nearby innocent luggage
    choose pitcher stomach
    rumor garbage knuckle
    usual hospital exhaust
    pattern problem buses (school)
    annual opposite fantasy
    picture yield ostrich
    aunt balloon chimpanzee
    cookie Monday Chinese
    backward grief creature
    against pursue suite (room)
    school fantastic separate
    custard mixture welcome
    thirsty agency nuisance
    needle excited vein (blood)
    English idle (lazy) gradually
    family mathematics Wednesday
    selfish caught dangerous
    birthday fought ceiling (room)
    visible likely pyramid
    children orange caution
    sailor youthful furnace
    change enough pigeon
    couch heavy naughty
    arrange important tepee
    until double describe
    hungry freeze sorcerer
    football realize sausage
    enemy safety acquire
    Canada honest different
    dragon alphabet camera
    collect alligator athlete
    bottle breakfast schedule
    grandfather width familiar
    sparrow ought crochet
    barrel nickel scientist
    unless thought leisure
    carpet though marriage
    criminal coarse (rough) bologna
    establish gopher measure
    homework guest theater
    single fashion argument
    angry service boulevard
    chicken ounce journey
    borrow speak sleight
    country really shoulder
    dance janitor bracelet
    donkey catcher calendar
    perfect sympathy exhibit
    follow delicate oxygen
    finger guide feature
    garden design ancient
    frozen actually aisle (row)
    glance remarkable fierce
    artist fortune surprise
    chance crocodile foreign
    summer dozen galaxy
    upstairs busily quarter
    number official believe
    should purpose whirled
    slender civil beginning
    forest quart apology
    along echo guidance
    spelling pleasant genuine
    player allergic poison
    strange signed ketchup
    afternoon judge valuable
    avenue musician sleigh (snow)
    puddle icicle exhale
    princess question coupon
    member similar necessary
    disgrace discuss dungeon
    mental height congratulations
    adverb cough whittle
    adore direction thorough
    movie attempt whisker
    honey errand coffee
    worst capacity language
    dairy hoarse (voice) potato
    article weapon challenge
    pilot boundary tomato
    multiply college prairie
    rainbow curious absolutely
    month chief develop
    appear toaster patience (calm)
    extra nephew possess
    afraid grudge embarrass
    bury pilgrims whisper
    dangle argue anxious
    vowel feather recognize
    volume fowl (bird) happening
    oldest tennis traveled
    broom sincere shampoo
    candle awful gigantic
    visitor eagle surgeon
    disaster interrupt portrait
    erase pleasure route (road)
    dozen pretty lizard
    alert flies biscuit
    noise general instance
    hammer majesty principal (school)
    taxi predict principle (rule)
    north private lettuce
    search explorer fulfill
    triple sought saucer
    fourth (4th) sewer mechanic
  • TABLE 3
    LEVEL 3-5TH & 6TH GRADE
    MORE
    EASIER INTERMEDIATE DIFFICULT
    praise gesture encore
    wander frequent caterpillar
    liberty decent cafeteria
    harvest salary teammate
    solution digital judgment
    secure wedge contagious
    boundary disgrace antique
    common lecture generous
    suppose hymn (song) desperate
    motion system magnificent
    harmony magazine generosity
    sense (feel) cease (stop) circumstances
    fiction mixture reign (rule)
    panic gradually gymnasium
    brief decimal negligee
    champion surround cartridge
    purse receive magician
    luxury preferred crystallize
    manager citizen innocent
    inventor lenient laboratory
    eagle accurate cellophane
    fracture conceal architect
    career neutral generally
    expert description eventually
    elephant opportunity conference
    elevator immortal apparel
    discussion referral banister
    produce typical practicing
    gentleman continue encyclopedia
    copies dictionary environment
    method attorney ignorance
    service building daffodil
    speech language aspirin
    mammal cedar license
    lamb coupon acceptable
    summary amusing definitely
    junior ancient doughnut
    normal bushel forecast
    beyond journey beige
    patient portrait evidently
    scarce promise overwhelm
    pierce exhale buffet
    companion meager embarrass
    circulate entrance approximately
    decoy cement specifically
    steak (meat) courage counselor
    creativity responsible labeled
    captive rescue assistance
    register audience accordion
    battery delicious apostrophe
    organize syllable luncheon
    fertilize parcel occurring
    radiant rehearse satisfactory
    hammock murmur ridiculous
    envious pioneer bookkeeper
    major cooperate committee
    disturb shrivel conscious
    scramble refrigerator roommate
    mission cyclist illiterate
    contest oxygen coolly
    vibrant acreage candidate
    flexible tardiness insurance
    outlet margarine exaggerate
    bulletin capacity exhausted
    significant humorous mustache
    elegant summarize pageant
    collector marvelous vicious
    pillar mysterious cemetery
    engage plaid necessary
    abdomen customer importance
    vary scholar existence
    install scheme teachable
    deposit exhibit professor
    sensible dreadful pummel
    convertible privilege Connecticut
    divisible apparent musician
    sociable lavatory nineteenth
    available orchid omelet
    reasonable ambulance overrated
    agreeable happiness ghetto
    favorable monarchy secrecy
    breakable probably mischief
    allowable fashionable salmon
    tolerable separate character
    safari hiccup therefore
    satisfied decision colonel (army)
    decided recess wheelbarrow
    prepare forty Massachusetts
    appear mechanic Mississippi
    distance orchard mosquito
    perhaps prejudice cologne
    crease ancestor corduroy
    native pretzel discipline
    narrow fossil obedience
    aroma retrieve Missouri
    therapy capitol (place) Arkansas
    idealistic pier (dock) alcoholic
    equation diamond consensus
    shuttle measles Illinois
    entertain emphasis manila
    steam debris conscience
    televise medicine consequence
    vacant bungalow gaseous
    virtue faithfully procession
    invisible adequate hygiene
    article excel imbecile
    coward wring (twist) opossum
    loyalty hydrant campaign
    region scissors shriek
    chili (food) appetite asterisk
    publish inexpensive heroes
    quarrel crouton mileage
    denied reluctant colossal
    friction mightily traveler
    quartet sleight (of hand) pavilion
    directory kindergarten miniature
    section washable cymbal (music)
    opponent advertisement parallel
    creator speedometer challenge
    annual biceps pastime
    splendid fragile monologue
    repair practical pistachio
    eager sculptor delicatessen
    delight volunteer analyze
    humble clearance thorough
    afternoon effective neighborhood
    bakery kangaroo drought
    banker argument coliseum
    border appoint bachelor
    cable awkward upholstery
    group equipped February
    handle feature somersault
    heart fertile loneliness
    holy (sacred) pollution sergeant
    increase pronounce lieutenant
    industry chemical curiosity
    exist shoulder overrule
    property circular violence
    protect climber symbol (mark)
    provide competition physician
    record concern accidentally
    reduce creature debut
    reply definite excitement
    reward exceed Egypt
    colony dishonest Europe
    comfort junction tendency
    comical leather guidance
    condition foreigner parachute
    confirm meteor analysis
    constant mayor genuine
    decay referee plague
    define significance clique (friends)
    dirty banquet holiness
    discover territory nervous
    hamburger different tomatoes
    education residence harass
    empty valiant vessel
    invention referred cupboard
    kindness scenic nauseous
    mental tragedy glacier
    level wilderness sacrifice
    lumber alter (change) astronaut
    melon plantation penguin
    congress altar (prayer) forehead
    graphic casually lightning
    gossip absence gracious
    musical grateful wintry
    option facial souvenir
    pardon dormitory fanciful
    axle versus spaghetti
    perfect eligible diesel
    pickle density nuisance
    speedy financial recommend
    staff fortress grammar
    pleasure category enormous
    stroll genius performance
    subject missile jealousy
    supply orphan rehearsal
    temper political fortunately
    thread poultry sausage
    blossom macaroni disguise
    pocket bridge cinnamon
    adopt aluminum echoes
    adverb algebra especially
    width acquire mattress
    banjo advantage censor (book)
    basin calorie hyphenated
    blouse chord (music) misspell
    display spinach literature
    division civilian successful
    duet lettuce doubtful
    election crystal receipt
    establish delicate sincerely
    extra society headquarters
    release descent tortoise
    phrase destination courteous
    resist illustration satellite
    profit (money) imaginary journalist
    prefer instead synonym
    predict introduce democracy
    positive neighborly magically
    perish manufacturer solemnize
    owner sentence grief
    button appliance incredible
    buyer technical fierce
    cabinet carefully dominant
    personal pulley earnest
    contrary tuxedo technology
    decade vehicle faucet
    defeat voluntary recently
    delivery surprise anonymous
    crutch cylinder badminton
    halo dehydration appearance
    imitate duplicate authority
    import delinquent forage
    inquire temperature spacious
    janitor syrup tournament
    notify ledge barbecue
    oblige civilization veterinarian
    outfit knowledge lamppost
    operation proceed eccentric
    senator brochure guarantee
    serious commitment instance
    steady opposite attendance
    solve heritage endurance
    solo excellent specimen
    writer determine associate
    require digestion cancellation
    unaware employee grievance
    women rhythm condemned
    zero discriminate paralyze
    community calendar courtesy
    critic vagrant turquoise
    cuddle vinegar bluish
    develop warranty emptiness
    culprit willful beneficial
    difficult applaud profession
    disposal knead (dough) possession
    durable dough (bread) marshmallow
    eliminate surgery sapphire
    infection subdue athletics
    meant captain pursue
    informal believe mischievous
    injury climate conqueror
    mascot guardian geyser
    instrument beginner wholly (fully)
    interior facility equivalent
    strategy lawyer pronunciation
    toward geyser picnicking
    treatment passenger hysterical
    massive alibi disastrous
    manuscript whisper paralysis
    lyric certain interesting
    logical island gorgeous
    library cyclone withdrawal
    skeptical coffee peninsula
    exclude fusion straight
    recycle finally porridge
    picture politician substance
    relief drainage stubborn
    curious oyster suspicious
    terrible restaurant dissatisfied
    segment beverage collapsible
    substitute allowance molasses
    portable guitar sauerkraut
    tension sphinx potatoes
    truthful leisure etiquette
    triumph congratulate stationary (fixed)
    trophy salvage stationery (paper)
    preview trapeze zucchini
    ambition popular allegiance
    telephone cauliflower bureau
    exactly vague newsstand
    ecology vicinity questionnaire
    assistant vegetable extraordinary
    dramatic handkerchief catastrophe
    geometry choir amateur
    annoy python quiche
    dismiss jewelry avalanche
    several geography mayonnaise
    attic heifer technique
    reality poisonous chlorine
    trumpet patience (calm) continually
    ruined frontier successor
    carriage cellar (basement) independent
    gospel ordinary collision
    pollen peaceful secretary
    galaxy agency fascinate
    telescope currency conceited
    population exercise disciple
    commit experience appreciate
    attention unique assignment
    arithmetic proctor acknowledge
    automobile design criticize
    consistent figurine wholesome
    improper blessed ventriloquist
    ingredient boulevard essential
    exchange engineer symmetrical
    approach explanation ecstasy
    densely valuable accumulate
  • TABLE 4
    LEVEL 4-7TH & 8th GRADE
    MOST
    EASIER INTERMEDIATE DIFFICULT
    abrupt celebration conscience
    angle complexion pharmaceutical
    instructor physical psychiatrist
    tremendous suppress abhorrent
    employer courteous dyslexic
    plea aerial pseudonym
    malice elementary hierarchy
    breathe significance sovereignty
    cinder neutron mortgage
    container capillary forfeiture
    passenger basically withheld
    marriage debtor aggravate
    example chronicles rapacious
    enemy beggar buoyed
    handsome malign mischievous
    government judicious antecedent
    envelope belligerent accessory
    equator feasible pantomime
    tying guarantee blasphemy
    remember capsule desperate
    journalist martyr boisterous
    distance justification clientele
    merchandise simplicity innumerable
    sporadic medicinal atrocious
    ballot ignorance counterfeit
    chapter consign boycott
    scenery accumulate despondent
    fabric chaos fluorescent
    century challenge carburetor
    skies shampoo antonym
    squirrel knapsack irresistible
    creature sequence chlorine
    attractive congratulate intercede
    toxic gracious humorous
    clause (words) petroleum tsunami
    drawer (desk) siege diffidence
    glossary succumb sojourn
    shadow shepherd choreography
    dignity sentence occurred
    equation counselor collectible
    experience suede ascension
    museum column sacrilegious
    irony antidote catalogue
    igloo independent scrimmage
    circular compromise allegiance
    married cuisine mistletoe
    operator enormous crystallize
    commander cliche rhythmic
    budget fascinate synagogue
    mechanic wheelbarrow committed
    meanwhile associate conscientious
    graduate glamour extraordinary
    index audience genealogy
    Pacific acceptance anesthetic
    despair concurred statistician
    pupil especially pilgrimage
    odor mysterious acquaintance
    exhibit concern foreseeable
    offense controversy exaggerate
    resemble tariff ensemble
    fourteen homogenize pavilion
    abundant artificial discretionary
    contradict fiery picturesque
    optimism professor vaccinate
    opponent interpretation auxiliary
    persist mention incidentally
    puddle hospitable propaganda
    perspire meticulous perceptible
    indulge impregnable inconsolable
    parish treacherous erosion
    prognosis amphibian crouton
    camera emphasis grievous
    figurative vicinity grotesque
    digestion license necessitate
    collapse concise grandeur
    scientist luncheon diligence
    fantasy enhance jeopardize
    tourist tendency questionnaire
    delegate pronunciation devastate
    canyon efficient personnel
    disposal accomplish cartilage
    individual psalm prerogative
    forbidden havoc controversial
    insinuate relevant sincerely
    factual commission veterinary
    lovely seminary reversible
    source simile dissatisfied
    lying usage stubbornness
    recline fanciful particularly
    quantity enigmatic colleague
    safety frequency threshold
    biography athletic prestigious
    portray pessimism propagate
    visible synonym discrepancy
    density sandwich memento
    vacant courageous adjoining
    apartment reticent aerobics
    applaud luxurious anonymous
    automobile adjacent cinnamon
    memorize caterpillar accommodate
    eon dictionary accelerate
    ingredient volcanoes intrigue
    distribute leisure genre
    authority convertible metaphor
    magnetic cigarette parliament
    scheme overwhelm commemorate
    continent absence cantaloupe
    dangerous separate interrogate
    violet triumphant ukulele
    dramatic financial synchronize
    cafe acknowledge massacre
    advantage larceny chauffeur
    pasture plague zoology
    accurate illicit alumnae
    politics defiant appellate
    orchard karat (jewel) defendant
    electricity discipline upholsterer
    adjust innocent hindrance
    recede ferocious moccasin
    motive laboratory deterrence
    violent conjure remembrance
    advice achievement physique
    niece amphibious extravagant
    thousand plaque exceed
    engineer peninsula proceed
    system prophecy schism
    eminent quarantine millennium
    imminent commercial liaison
    extension consequence entrepreneur
    throughout intricate opulence
    conceal condemn omitted
    economy labeled plaintiff
    myth emptiness accompaniment
    replacement accidentally practically
    geography testimonial Hawaii
    terrible algae feigned
    impossible mileage behoove
    curious currency parenthesis
    ministry plentiful rhetoric
    obey crochet diurnal
    triangle spontaneous diaphragm
    purchase excellent nowadays
    injury facility corollary
    poetry foreword (book) sergeant
    insecure docile malefactor
    silence dialogue bookkeeper
    skillful croquet playwright
    contribute misspell criticism
    illegal phantom permanently
    violence myriad reminiscent
    usually juvenile abundance
    grocery nuisance dietitian
    familiar illogical catechism
    flexible courtesy susceptible
    insinuate ancestry subtlety
    comfortable analysis kilowatt
    complain altogether licorice
    legend fiendish reservoir
    dubious memoir impromptu
    recent colonel (army) wondrous
    ledge comprehension heinous
    feature scenario adolescent
    opposite coliseum nonchalant
    storage delicious pitiful
    kernel (corn) debris savvy
    garment cupboard apparently
    describe clemency controlled
    fastidious flourish correlate
    rehearse conceited disastrous
    dwelling medicine monotonous
    evening pamphlet vengeance
    counter fiercely disappearance
    recycle compassionate emphysema
    follow performance medieval
    complex buffet anoint
    carriage inaugural grievance
    mixture obnoxious righteous
    suggestion propel indisputable
    Atlantic plethora recommend
    radiant accustom hypothetical
    contest reconcile delectable
    social officious facetious
    exchange intolerant turbulence
    conquer prairie inoculate
    ragged curiosity medallion
    heroes dilapidated fatigue
    typical gourmet larynx
    massive successful vertebrate
    epitomize distraught anomaly
    ignorant vintage descendant
    destroy marshmallow plenitude
    whine (moan) cologne compelling
    periodic irrelevant renowned
    hatchet contemporary homonym
    honorable laughable themselves
    icicle coordinate frolicking
    depot ghastly perseverance
    mayhem coordinate serrated
    officer necessary prescription
    exercise (work) propensity euphemism
    coupon paralyze archaeologist
    discriminate parachute inconceivable
    description wistful caffeine
    vigilante maintenance annihilate
    humble naive pastime
    obscure gruesome critique
    intelligence gnawing supersede
    agile nauseous besieged
    frequent radiance lieutenant
    sensory customary outrageous
    facial accomplice accordion
    combination embarrass guttural
    probably chauvinism quizzes
    misery marmalade mathematics
    secretly classification macabre
    organize valor assassin
    adventure missile serviceable
    specific parallel mediocre
    element niche dilemma
    obstacle kerosene roughhouse
    paragraph continuous prevalent
    legible metallic rapport
    washable catapult canvas (cloth)
    culture sauerkraut autonomous
    various novice apocalypse
    tactical bachelor acoustics
    awkward granite laughable
    saturate hosiery oppression
    finalize expedite adjournment
    advance appropriate chaperon
    practical scissors quandary
    incentive scholastic noticeable
    condition traveler ecstasy
    hardship conceive tomorrow
    constant eccentric advantageous
    mingle merciful precipice
    connection heritage endeavor
    extract explicit catastrophe
    rumor pheasant aerosol
    fertilize primitive hesitancy
    thunder hideous legitimate
    historic valet camouflage
    customer preferable narcissistic
    mobilize regime predecessor
    humidity mammoth hypothesis
    evident pursue minuscule
    graphic overrated ghettoes
    technology receipt colossal
    raisin abysmal reference
    policy attendant graffiti
    descent llama intercession
    equipment amnesty characterize
    tangible prominent succession
    tailor dominant sophomore
    material sufficient inadvertent
    neutral turquoise tourniquet
    chief secede indispensable
    category asthma Caribbean
    shutter nucleus flabbergasted
    shuffle sedentary occasionally
    salvation wholly (fully) collateral
    recluse procedure bouillon
    visitor misfortune irrefutable
    nickel genuine evanescent
    pronounce strenuous raucous
    tornado interrupt protocol
    altercation amorous maneuver
    distress exceptional miscellaneous
    divine culinary discernible
    domestic malicious preference
    easier correspondence loneliness
    eject acclaim resemblance
    eligible oblique poignant
    exotic advertisement overrun
    existence obstinate chauffeur
    expression newsstand incandescent
    meteor anecdote realistically
    exhale mosque unforgettable
    mystery synopsis mannequin
    nylon asterisk idiosyncrasy
    obesity elicit facsimile
    obsolete berserk omission
    feud precipitation exorbitant
    mesmerize mayonnaise pummel
    shovel cancellation exuberance
    erroneous capricious plagiarize
    eliminate plateau fundamentally
    assignment legitimize aeronautical
    bulletin compel harassment
    cashier consensus camaraderie
    classic referred thoroughbred
    college paucity irresponsible
    comedy fortunately pasteurize
    federal franchise renege
    faulty miniature masquerade
    further gymnasium silhouette
    galaxy decipher croissant
    inept passable imbecile
    semester solitary chrysanthemum
    explanation diorama manageable
  • TABLE 5
    LEVEL 5 - ADULT
    MORE
    EASIER INTERMEDIATE DIFFICULT
    tobacco overwrought shillelagh
    encore cockroach anesthetize
    antenna cache (hidden) dilettante
    phenomenon bucolic pleurisy
    gauze croissant Polyethylene
    pungent camisole demitasse
    juxtapose ecumenical demagoguery
    precipitous apothecary manageable
    inauguration abysmal reveille
    ridiculous bailiff maraschino
    systematic nourishment corpuscle
    protein melancholy bellwether
    complexion gossamer resalable
    plateau concierge androgynous
    rigorous ensign serendipitous
    pessimistic tableau quintessence
    emphasis sojourn reconnaissance
    observatory poignant graffiti
    relevant synchronize cognoscenti
    chiropractic calisthenics psoriasis
    primitive incessant paraplegic
    foliage ingenious pachysandra
    excellent necessary fluorescent
    resilient turquoise phosphorescent
    chiropodist picturesque perspicacity
    aerosol negligee colossal
    conceited choreography traveler
    courteous encumbrance bourgeoisie
    collaborate libelous disastrous
    apparent rhinoceros raspberry
    gorgeous treacherous coliseum
    orthodox macabre inadmissible
    hemisphere upholstery nonpareil
    asylum augur baccalaureate
    cachet submersible vicissitudes
    tyranny massacre sequoia
    disposable impugn rhododendron
    itinerary overreact inane
    phoenix rescission sarsaparilla
    novice mediocre cacophony
    inure campaign dilapidated
    ferocious centripetal rendezvous
    seclusion discernible subpoena
    paucity antecedent rapprochement
    eulogize tutelage yarmulke
    adolescent hyperbole semblance
    homicide pneumatic chauffeur
    nuisance visceral motif
    extenuating lecherous pasteurized
    superficial ensemble prerogative
    javelin disheveled quandary
    memoir humongous vengeance
    volatile vehement chamomile
    priority statistician embryos
    paradise moniker onomatopoeia
    library placebos somersault
    receive linguine clientele
    secretary nomenclature commemorate
    unnatural guillotine archipelago
    elicit indictment parakeet
    murmur dependable tourniquet
    circumstances loquacious monstrosity
    indicative accessible pseudonym
    conclusion immovable expendable
    sagacious noticeable liaison
    paralyze prescient curiosity
    contagious behemoth iridescent
    cartilage gauche ecstasy
    excitable inflammable nauseous
    pamphlet rheumatism occurrence
    demur milieu hors d'oeuvre
    gorilla (ape) incalculable mnemonic
    pinnacle horrific mischievous
    magnanimous soiree lackadaisical
    gourmet consolation xenophobia
    valuable pernicious psychoanalyst
    heirloom unnecessary pastime
    obsequious grandeur shenanigans
    accomplice flagellate paleontology
    indicia misogyny propaganda
    hyphenate boudoir irrefutable
    delinquency chandelier a cappella
    dinghy threshold pirouette
    jettison coercion dispensable
    ironic pheromone phantasmagoric
    recalcitrant pastiche unparalleled
    slaughter maneuver schizophrenia
    savant sashay (walk) malleable
    exhort scintilla mannequin
    audience cancellation camouflage
    Braille livelihood annihilate
    interrupt souvenir pharmaceutical
    niche plentiful effete
    certitude pneumonia cetacean
    philosophy colonel debutante
    inconsolable labyrinth pterodactyl
    catharsis cistern chartreuse
    degenerate ricochet quadriplegic
    gnawing aneurysm pavilion
    maintenance chagrined saccharine
    reference devastate renaissance
    supervised prurient meringue
    derelict quixotic echinacea
    deceit recognizance desiccate
    controversial menagerie carburetor
    hospitable burlesque camaraderie
    potential altogether bayonet
    decedent surveillance bivouac
    subtle serviceable panache
    conservative inimitable mellifluous
    petroleum miscellaneous incandescent
    contemporary broccoli lieutenant
    visage pariah ptomaine
    syndicate apocalypse whippoorwill
    gymnastics codeine sauerbraten
    consecrate ubiquitous propagate
    innocent holistic connoisseur
    optimal preponderance convalescence
    advocate paparazzi exorbitant
    domicile truculent idiosyncrasy
    fallacy torturous fettuccine
    telepathy physicist formaldehyde
    pulchritude sepulcher obeisance
    masculine memento dossier
    auxiliary dysfunctional peaceable
    perceptive grotesque resuscitate
    parenthesis capricious imprimatur
    voracious innuendo monsignor
    physician synonymous daiquiri
    chimerical perquisite cirrhosis
    erroneous paradigm drunkenness
    intelligible stalactite eczema
    cryptic uproarious smorgasbord
    practicable ignoble hallucinogenic
    procedural dilemma piranha
    treatise elementary beaucoup
    commodity zephyr impresario
    transferred travelogue decaffeinated
    device coolly arbitrageur
    correspondence bachelor saboteur
    excess abhorrent beleaguer
    auspices irreducible filibuster
    edifice forego indefatigable
    exquisite indelible machete
    transient reproach bureaucrat
    sandal hygiene colloquial
    simultaneous masquerade scurrilous
    pursue guerilla (war) sacrilegious
    exhilarate zeppelin apocryphal
    wistful pageantry querulous
    subliminal protocol pharaoh
    locale adieu peignoir
    enclave fulfill rhetorical
    glutton impasse Chihuahua
    polygamy canister chameleon
    whimsical collectible withhold
    quiche masseur detente
    appropriate erosion hemorrhage
    medicinal epithet prenuptial
    aluminum requisite diligent
    beneficiary omitted fusillade
    vague forfeiture annulment
    anticipate incorrigible occasionally
    tremendous cologne avoirdupois
    electrician anemone expungeable
    forego brogue suborn
    relegate recommend internecine
    hosiery licorice meiosis
    parlance committee oscillate
    earring incidentally colloquy
    respite sustenance embarrassed
    concentrate harangue archaeology
    misfit solicitous continuum
    notoriety pittance wherewithal
    allegiance susceptible dietitian
    pecuniary exaggerate ukulele
    syntax accordion dyslexic
    composite subterranean millennium
    syllabus comedienne infinitesimal
    eclectic stalagmite fuchsia
    glamorous toupee mezzanine
    fissure catatonic colloquially
    amnesty curvaceous Fahrenheit
    deficient infallible aneurism
    psyche reminisce hypocrisy
    definite synthesize asinine
    eccentric caterpillar fuselage
    scalpel irrepressible septuagenarian
    avarice corrosion apropos
    ostrich unprecedented inchoate
    opaque televangelist masseuse
    surveyor roulette tyrannosaurus
    giraffe overwhelm nouveau riche
    kerosene rutabaga fricassee
    criticize mortgage pirogi
    haphazard mimicry psychosomatic
    debilitate matinee plenteous
    gigolo octogenarian boutonniere
    cursory presumptuous bouillabaisse
    separate successful ayatollah
    menace anomalous repertoire
    celestial epitaph potpourri
    novitiate enthusiastically anathematize
    governor curmudgeon phlegmatic
    prevalent pomegranate faux pas
    appetite leprosy implacable
    grimace forsythia retaliate
    misgivings expel pantomime
    echelon blasphemy therapeutic
    distance hierarchy syllogism
    gelatin circuitous tonsillectomy
    tragic chateau toreador
    accessory ostensible anoint
    havoc harass eponymous
    turbulence imbroglio sassafras
    austerity bassinet antediluvian
    analysis lasagna sophomoric
    climatic promenade changeable
    imitate fortuitous quiescent
    ceremony wondrous chutzpah
    suspicious resilience inoculate
    incisor extravagant denouement
    dissect fallacious dumbbell
    equipment handkerchief soporific
    spinach furlough philodendron
    hysterical parmesan hypochondriac
    receivable quizzical hallelujah
    counterfeit pilgrimage diphtheria
    preferred malfeasance euphemism
    specimen climactic corollary
    palpable incendiary avant-garde
    atheist voyeurism cummerbund
    preemptive anachronistic peccadillo
    publicly override leprechaun
    apprentice octahedron poinsettia
    infancy transcendental proselytize
    terse personnel headdress
    legislature sycophant discotheque
    eloquent vignette psychedelic
    consensus declension philatelist
    homage facsimile symmetrical
    dimension quarantine consanguineous
    feminine unnerve queue (line-up)
    courier scythe addressable
    dialogue precipice hieroglyphics
    parliament oxymoron entrepreneur
    lavender hubbub savoir faire
    insinuate camellia deterrence
    precious decrepit orangutan
    conjecture liquefy zucchini
    gigabyte plaintiff genealogy
    peninsula odoriferous pusillanimous
    beguile dichotomy brassiere
    prophecy souffle collateral
    satellite kleptomaniac rotisserie
    deceive hypocrite bouffant
    centigrade penicillin diaphragm
    versatile reticent tarpaulin
    facade lyceum pyrrhic
    myriad champagne amethyst
    assent (agree) fracas vacillate
    heinous vacuous proboscis
    decibel innocuous irascible
    conspicuous coefficient crustacean
    exuberant kaleidoscope silhouette
    disgraceful gladiolus minuscule
    syringe synopsis pachyderm
    conjure accommodate crystallize
    despair derriere soliloquy
    emancipate defendant paraphernalia
    tentacle businessman mademoiselle
    virulent stoically staphylococcus
    feign intransigence luminescence
    millionaire lozenge aficionado
    caricature ephemeral supercilious
    anecdote mousse (hair) protégé
    cronyism imbecile reconnoiter
    spontaneous putrefy odyssey
    supremacy turmeric clairvoyance
    ambitious omniscient chlorophyll
    rampage physique ingenue
    diorama collision picayune
    receipt chronicles chastise
    exhaust desecrate debonair
    obstinate facetious stubbornness
    grateful chassis dachshund
    platypus analogous cappuccino
    grammar dispel encephalitis
    desolate phenomenal insouciant
    nutrient illegitimate fait accompli
    lightning forbearance buoyant
    ambiguous cataclysm cuneiform
    ignorance garrulous remittance
    franchise maelstrom archaeopteryx
    flourish perseverance paean
    archaic syncopated vinaigrette
    prowess vaudevillian bouillon
    ballistics flabbergasted kielbasa
    conversant aesthetic cater cornered
    absence desperate flotation
  • The spelling difficulty of the words in each game level is determined by various criteria. Initially, as noted above, the spelling words for each game level are obtained from known age and educational grade level spelling lists. In order to minimize inconsistencies in determining the appropriate grade level and/or difficulty of any given spelling word(s), words taken from known spelling lists are preferably from the same source.
  • Other criteria useful for determining the difficulties of the spelling words include the word length in letters, number of syllables, the number of silent letters, the number of double letters, how often the average player at a given game level would typically read, write, hear or speak the word in the course of the player's studies, recreational activities and/or normal daily interactions, the number of possible spellings caused by sounds that can be spelled by at least two different letters or combinations of letters following the “non-phonetic rules” described below, the number of homonyms, the degree to which the same sound/letter combinations are contained in other words in the same age or educational grade level of the game or in a lower age or lower educational grade level of the game. One or more of these criteria can be used to distinguish between levels of difficulty for words within a game level.
  • Generally, spelling words that are in the EASIER spelling difficulty category are common, everyday words that are spelled exactly as they sound. By “common every day words” is meant words that the average age or educational grade appropriate player would be expected to read, write, hear or speak in the normal course of the player's studies, recreational activities and/or normal daily interactions. The words in the EASIER category of any game level will also generally be shorter in number of letters and of the lowest relative vocabulary difficulty of the words included in that game level.
  • For the purposes of this invention, the following are considered to be among the most basic and common non-phonetic letter/sound patterns in the English language and are referred to herein as the “non-phonetic rules”:1) The addition of the letter “e” at the end of a word will generally create a long vowel sound in the preceding vowel; 2) A long “e” sound at the end of a word is generally formed by the letter “y”; 3) A “k” sound at the end of a word is usually formed by the letters “ck”; 4) A “k” sound at the beginning of a word is usually a hard “c” rather than a “k”; 5) The vowel sound in words rhyming with the word “book” is formed by the letters “oo”; 6) The vowel sound in words rhyming with the word “cool” is generally formed by the letters “oo”; 7) The sound “owt” is formed by the letters “out”; 8) The sound “kw” is formed by the letters “qu”; 9) The sound “shon” is formed either by the letters “tion” or “sion”; 10) The sound “yon” is usually formed by the letters “ion”. For the purpose of determining the spelling difficulty category of a particular word, it is presumed that the player(s) has knowledge of phonics as well as knowledge of the non-phonetic rules. Therefore the occurrence of the non-phonetic letter/sound patterns in any word will not affect the spelling difficulty category of the word except in game levels one and two where full knowledge of phonics and the non-phonetic rules is not presumed. In game levels one and two, words may be categorized in other than the EASIER category, on the presumption that the rules of phonics and the non-phonetic rules are still being learned by the player. The term “phonics” is used herein to indicate knowledge of symbols, e.g. one or more letters, that represent only one speech sound.
  • Sound/letter patterns and possible spellings and/or questionable spelling sounds which are included in words in the MORE DIFFICULT category of a lower level of the game, can be used in the INTERMEDIATE category of the next highest game level and possibly in the EASIER category of the game levels higher than that.
  • Since the words in the EASIER category are spelled, for the most part, exactly as they sound, or can be spelled correctly by a player with knowledge of the most basic and common letter/sound patterns of the language of the word to be spelled and because of the words' shorter length in number of letters, the anticipated higher degree of familiarity with the words, it is anticipated that a player's probability of correctly guessing the spelling of a word that the player is unfamiliar with in the EASIER category of any game level will be greater than 75%.
  • As a general rule, the vocabulary level for the INTERMEDIATE spelling words will be higher than that of the EASIER words and the vocabulary level for the MORE DIFFICULT spelling words will be higher than that of the INTERMEDIATE words.
  • Most of the words in the INTERMEDIATE category words will suggest one alternate spelling, i.e. one correct spelling and one improper spelling for a player who has knowledge of phonics and the “non-phonetic rules” and utilizes that knowledge. As used herein, “alternate spelling” indicates that a word has more than one spelling, albeit incorrect, as a result of a sound which may be spelled by at least two different letters or at least two different combinations. Examples of words that have alternate spellings include heat or heet, girl or gurl, and coat or cote. Words having alternate spellings also include words that have two different spellings and have different meanings dependent on their spelling, such as heal and heel, and too and two, (i.e. homonyms). INTERMEDIATE spelling difficulty words may also include words with one alternate spelling by reason of a word having an “alternate spelling sound” caused by a silent letter or a double letter. As used herein, “alternate spelling sound” is a sound that can be formed by either of two different letters or by at least two different combinations of letters. Words containing alternate spelling sounds also include words that have silent letters or double letters.
  • Since the INTERMEDIATE category words are chosen, for the most part, to suggest only one alternate spelling, a player having knowledge of phonics and non-phonetic rules and utilizes that knowledge, it is anticipated that a player's probability of correctly guessing the spelling of a word that the player is unfamiliar with in the INTERMEDIATE category of any game level will be about 50%.
  • All of the words in the MORE DIFFICULT will suggest at least one improper spelling to the average age or educational grade appropriate player, and many of the words in the MORE DIFFICULT category will suggest two or more improper spellings to such a player.
  • The words categorized in each game level as MORE DIFFICULT are also often identified as “spelling demon” words. As used herein, the term “spelling demon” means words identified as such and words on lists contained on the world wide web or in printed lists or published books of spelling words or words that appear in compilations of the most often misspelled words or in compilations of most difficult spelling words that are contained on the world wide web or in printed lists or published books of spelling words.
  • Examples of spelling demon lists found on the world wide web including websites such as:
  • http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/spelling-demons.html http://classroom.jc-schools.net/read/spelldemons.htm
    http://www.ccs.k12.in.us/cte/Classroom/5th %20Grade/Mahnesmith/Curriculum/Spelling
    http://www.esldesk.com/esliquizzes/misspelled-words/misspelled-words.htm
    http://www.wsu.edu/˜briands/errors/misspelled.html
    http://www.yourdictionary.com/library/150more.html and
    http://www.brnsdle.demon.co.uk/spell/error.html. These sites are provided as examples.
  • Words categorized as MORE DIFFICULT within a particular game level will generally be words that the average age or educational appropriate player will be the least familiar with. In other words, words within a particular game level that the average player at a given game level will have the least occasion to use, read, speak and/or hear in the course of that player's studies, recreational activities and/or normal daily interactions.
  • As a result of the combination of multiple alternate spellings, alternate spelling sounds, the higher relative vocabulary level of the word, and because of the frequent inclusion of known “spelling demons” words in the MORE DIFFICULT category of the game, it is anticipated that a player's probability of correctly guessing the spelling of a word that the player is unfamiliar with in the MORE DIFFICULT category of any game level will be less than 25%.
  • Some of the words on the spelling cards, regardless of game level, will have homonyms. A homonym is a word that is identical in pronunciation to other words but differing in meaning, e.g. hair and hare. If a spelling word has a homonym, a word in parenthesis is written next to the spelling word which the reader uses to distinguish which word should be spelled. For example, if the spelling word is “hair” the word “head” may appear in parenthesis next to it and the reader should say “hair, as in hair on your head”, or make a similar statement when reading the word to the speller.
  • The illustrated embodiment also comprises playing cards which are used to add excitement and competition to the game. The playing cards include “BUZZLEBEE” cards that a player draws during play. Each of these “BUZZLEBEE” cards has instructions which direct a player's movement of his playing piece. These instructions are sometimes beneficial; however, they can also be detrimental. A playing card, which is identified as a “BUZZLEBEE Card” in the preferred embodiment of the game, is drawn when a player lands on one of the “Bee” spaces on the game board. Use of the playing cards and the instructions printed on the playing cards is described more fully below.
  • The random determining means preferably comprises one die which preferably comprises six sides with indicia corresponding to different levels of spelling difficulty. During play, a die is rolled by a player to determine the spelling difficulty of the spelling word to be spelled by that player. Alternatively, the determining means may include a spinner or other such device. The indicia on the die or other determining means comprises one or more different colors, shapes, numbers, other indicia, or a combination of different indicia.
  • This illustrated embodiment uses three different colors, to identify three different levels of spelling difficulty of words on each spelling card. For example, a die using color as an indicia to differentiate the different spelling difficulties has 2 opposite yellow sides, 2 opposite_green sides and 2 opposite blue sides. The yellow indicia identifies words of an EASIER spelling difficulty level, the green indicia identifies words of an INTERMEDIATE spelling difficulty level, and the blue indicia identifies words of a MORE DIFFICULT spelling difficulty level.
  • The following is a description of the method of play of the illustrated embodiment. Play begins by each player selecting one of the playing pieces to move along the game board. The players then place their playing pieces on a START space 11 identified on the board by an indicia at the lower left hand corner of the game board. About one hundred spelling cards are randomly selected from the three hundred spelling cards 30 provided for each game level. If all players are in Level 1 of the game, then only spelling cards from that game level will be used. However, if there are players of different game levels playing, about one hundred spelling cards from each of those different game levels will be randomly selected so that each player is challenged with spelling words of the appropriate game level. After the spelling cards are selected, each deck of selected spelling cards is placed with the spelling word side down and the appropriate stack is moved as play progresses so that it is within the reach of the next reader or a designated reader of the spelling word.
  • A designated person can be chosen who only reads the words and does not take part in spelling any words, i.e. a “designated reader”. Alternatively, if there is not a designated reader, the player to the right of the player rolling the die, i.e., the speller, will be the “reader” for that turn. A player begins his turn by rolling the die to determine the difficulty level of his spelling word. The reader selects a spelling card by drawing the first card from the appropriate deck of spelling words according to the speller's game level and the reader reads the word on the selected spelling card corresponding to the difficulty level determined by the indicia on the die rolled by the speller. If the player requests the word's definition and/or derivation, the reader will also read the definition and/or derivation for the speller from a dictionary. The speller will, optionally, write his spelling word on a piece of paper, to facilitate his decision on a final spelling. The speller then reads his final spelling of the selected spelling word aloud. If the speller's printed spelling is correct but he mistakenly reads the spelling aloud incorrectly, the spelling will be considered correct if the speller shows his correct printed spelling to the other players and all other printed spelling attempts are crossed out.
  • The reader then announces if the word is spelled correctly and, if it is correct, the reader then shows the spelling to the other players so that they can verify that the word was spelled correctly. The speller then moves his playing piece on the game board. The difficulty level of the word spelled correctly is used to determine how many spaces the player moves his playing piece. A correct spelling of an EASIER spelling word allows the speller to move one space on the game board while a correct spelling of an INTERMEDIATE spelling word results in a two space move, and a correct spelling of a MORE DIFFICULT spelling word results in a three space move of the speller's playing piece. Alternative numbers of spaces can be utilized, as can other measurements of advancement in other embodiments. For example, a player can be awarded a higher number of points for a MORE DIFFICULT word than for an INTERMEDIATE word in a game wherein scores are based upon points.
  • If the speller spells the word incorrectly, his playing piece is not moved. The spelling card used by the speller, i.e. the used spelling card, is then placed face down in a discard pile to separate it from the unused spelling cards. The next player then takes his turn by rolling the die to determine his spelling word difficulty. The player who was just the speller then becomes the reader for the next speller's turn. The new reader draws the next card from the appropriate spelling deck and reads the appropriate spelling word to the next speller. Each player continues taking turns rolling the die to determine the difficulty of their spelling word to be spelled and spelling the words until all players have had one turn. After all players have had a chance to spell a word, they continue in the same order. If the spelling cards run out for any given spelling level during play, another one hundred spelling cards are randomly chosen from the spelling cards provided. In the event that all three hundred spelling cards in any given level are used during one game, the discarded spelling cards are reshuffled, and placed face down to be re-used as needed. In the event that a spelling word turns up twice in the same game after the spelling cards are re-shuffled, that card should be discarded and the next card should be used.
  • The object of the game is to be the first player to move from the START space to a FINISH space. The FINISH space is located on the upper right hand corner of the illustrated game board and is identified by an indicia, such as a bee hive in a tree. An embodiment of the present game board is shown in FIG. 1.
  • With reference to FIG. 1, the game board 10 comprises several game spaces beginning at the START space 11 and ending at the FINISH space 12. Some of these game spaces are identified as BONUS spaces which are distinguished by different indicia and are more fully described below. The illustrated embodiment has eighteen BONUS spaces. A number of these BONUS spaces are identified with an indicia of a bee and are called BEE spaces 13. When a player lands on a BEE space 13, he is required to randomly draw one of a plurality of cards that are known in the preferred embodiment as “BUZZLEBEE” Cards. Examples of the “BUZZLEBEE” Cards are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Each of the “BUZZLEBEE Cards” has instructions written on one side which directs the player's next playing piece movement, which is sometimes beneficial to the player, or sometimes detrimental.
  • Directions on the “BUZZLEBEE” Cards include 1) directing a player to move his playing piece to another BONUS space and follow the directions of the other BONUS space, 2) directing a player to go to the nearest space located on a “shortcut,” 3) directing a player to move to the space three spaces behind the leader, and 4) directing the player to send another player back a certain number of spaces. If a BUZZLEBEE card directs a player to move three spaces behind the leader, the player must move his playing piece three spaces behind the player who is closest to the FINISH space 12. However, if one of the BUZZLEBEE cards is drawn by the leader, the player must also follow the directions on the playing card and move back three spaces from where the player is when the playing card is drawn. If the BUZZLEBEE CARD directs a player to send another player back, the player can send the playing piece of a player of his choosing back five spaces. Players are moved back no matter where they are on the game board, even if they are on a BRIDGE or on the BEE-LINE EXPRESS. The BRIDGE and BEE-LINE EXPRESS are identified below. If the player who is sent back is less than five spaces from the START, he moves back to the START 11. If the player is sent back to another BONUS space, the player must also follow the rules of that BONUS space. Once all players on BONUS spaces have completed their turns, play resumes in normal order with the player to the left of the last speller. The purpose of the BONUS cards is to give a player who is far behind some hope of catching up, so that the player does not lose interest in playing.
  • There is at least one card, and preferably three cards, in the BONUS card deck identified as a B-Z PASS card, as shown in FIG. 4, which are used to give a player an advantage in by-passing a BRIDGE space 16 near the FINISH space 12.
  • Additional BONUS spaces on the game board include other indicia and upon landing on such spaces, a player must follow the directions for that particular BONUS space. In the preferred embodiment, some BONUS spaces include flower indicia and are identified as FLOWER spaces 15. If a player lands on a FLOWER space 15, the player advances his playing piece two spaces. In the preferred embodiment, other BONUS spaces include indicia of a honey pot and are identified as HONEY POT spaces 14. If a player lands on a HONEY POT space 14, the player is allowed an extra turn to roll the die and, therefore, an opportunity to spell another word.
  • As noted above, the game board comprises a plurality of shortcuts which allow a player to move ahead and bypass a number of spaces. The spaces comprise a continuous circuitous path, as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the spaces create loops on the right and left of the game board. The SHORTCUT spaces 18 comprise three spaces, a space with an indicia such as a spider web 19, a blank space and a second spider web space 19. These shortcuts are identified as “BEE-LINE EXPRESS” spaces 17. The “BEE-LINE EXPRESS” spaces 17 are accessed when a player reaches the space marked “BEE-LINE EXPRESS” which is positioned at the bottom of a SHORTCUT 18 as shown in FIG. 1. When a player moves to or past a “BEE-LINE EXPRESS” space 17, the player has the option of stopping at a “BEE-LINE EXPRESS” space 17 and moving across the SHORTCUT 18 on his next turn, or continuing the long way around the loop of the circuitous path.
  • Once a player elects to take the “BEE-LINE EXPRESS” SHORTCUT, there is no need to roll the die to determine his spelling word difficulty. Instead, the player must spell the next MORE DIFFICULT spelling word from his appropriate game level. The player moves across the SHORTCUT 18 only by spelling MORE DIFFICULT spelling words. Once the player correctly spells a MORE DIFFICULT spelling word, the player moves to the blank space on the shortcut between the two spider web spaces 19. The player cannot move onto a spider web space 19. Once the player has passed the first spider web space 19 the player must continue to move across the SHORTCUT 18 by spelling another MORE DIFFICULT word on the player's next turn. Until the player's game piece moves past the first spider web 19 onto the shortcut the player can change his or her mind and roll the die on his or her next turn and move along the loop on the circuitous path. The player's playing piece moves over the second spider web 19 only when the player correctly spells another MORE DIFFICULT spelling word, at which time the player moves one space forward onto the next space on the game board. On the player's next turn, the player follows the normal rules of movement of the game. In order to make the selection process, i.e. whether to take the SHORTCUT 18, more interesting, BONUS spaces such as those identified above, i.e. FLOWER spaces 15 and/or HONEY POT spaces 14, are placed along the loops of the path.
  • In the illustrated embodiment, there is a BRIDGE 16 near the FINISH 12 as shown in FIG. 1. The BRIDGE 16 has an upper level and a lower level. The upper level of the BRIDGE 16 is similar to the SHORTCUT spaces 18 and comprises a spider web space 19, a blank space and another spider web space 19. The lower level 20 of the BRIDGE 16 follows the regular game board path and comprises a number of spaces, preferably at least three spaces marked with an indicia, such as B-Z PASS ONLY. The space before the BRIDGE 16 is marked with an indicia such as an arrow 21 pointing in the direction of the upper level of the BRIDGE 16, or by some other method to indicate that it is a special space. This space is followed by a “barrier” 22 in the direction of the lower level of the BRIDGE which serves as a visual reminder that the space cannot be passed according to the normal game movement rules. When a player reaches the ARROW space 21, the player must stop unless the player has acquired one of the B-Z PASS cards available in the BUZZLEBEE card deck as shown in FIG. 4. If a player does not have a B-Z PASS card, he must move across the upper level of the BRIDGE 16. After landing on the ARROW space 21, the player must wait until his next turn to spell a MORE DIFFICULT spelling words to move past the first spider web on the upper level of the BRIDGE 16. A player on the BRIDGE 16 must continue to attempt to spell MORE DIFFICULT spelling words until he correctly spells a second MORE DIFFICULT spelling word. If the player correctly spells a second MORE DIFFICULT spelling word, the player moves over the second spider web 19 on the BRIDGE 16 and back onto the regular game board path. Players who have B-Z Pass cards do not need to move past the barrier of the upper level of the BRIDGE 16, but rather can move across the lower level of the BRIDGE 20 according to the regular rules of the game by handing in the B-Z PASS card that they previously obtained.
  • The illustrated board game and cards are provided only as examples. From the present description, one skilled in the art could design alternatives without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, different game boards can be designed to appeal to the particular age level of the players, such as a first version for grades 1 through 4, and a second version for grades 5 through 8. These and/or adult board versions may also incorporate educational and ecological information about bees.
  • In another embodiment wherein more than two players are playing, a special optional rule will prevail. If the players decide to apply the special optional rule, when a player spells a word incorrectly, the player in last place is given an opportunity to “steal” that word by correctly spelling the word. This player is referred to herein as the “alternate speller.” The alternate speller must not be the reader, must not be the original speller and must be in the same game level as the original speller, or in a lower game level. If the player that is in last place is supposed to be the next reader, another player can read the card instead so that the alternate speller rule is available to the player in last place. A player that is on one of the spaces between the spider webs on the BEE-LINE EXPRESS or on either space on the BRIDGE is not eligible to be an alternate speller. A player on the first space of a BEE-LINE EXPRESS is eligible to be an alternate speller but may use a correctly spelled “stolen” word only to move around the loop along the regular spaces on the playing board, not across the BEE-LINE EXPRESS shortcut.
  • If there are two players tied for last place, each player must roll the die to determine who will be considered the first alternate speller. On a die where the different indicia are colors, priority of the colors corresponds to the level of difficulty, i.e. the highest colors will be the color that is designated for the MORE DIFFICULT words. If the players roll the same indicia on the die, there is a tie and they must roll the die again. An incorrect answer will not be penalized and the alternate player will still take his or her regular turn. If the first alternate speller does not spell the word correctly, then the player that is in next to last place, i.e. the second alternate speller, can attempt to spell the word. Similarly, if the second alternate speller misspells the word, each of the other eligible players can attempt to spell the word, in reverse order of their position on the game board until the word is spelled correctly or until all eligible players have had a chance, whichever occurs first. If an alternate speller correctly spells the misspelled word, he moves the number of spaces designated for the word.
  • When the players are of different game levels and different level spelling cards are being used, an alternate speller who is in a lower game level than the original speller and who correctly spells the misspelled word, will be awarded a one space bonus for each level that he is below the original speller. For example, if an alternate speller in Level 1 correctly spells a MORE DIFFICULT word from Level 2, the alternate speller moves his playing piece four spaces, i.e. three spaces for correctly spelling a MORE DIFFICULT word plus one additional space because the word is one level above the alternate speller's level. The alternate speller has the option to choose not to take the one additional space bonus, if he decides that to do so is not beneficial. The purpose of this rule is to make the game more competitive by mitigating the effect of the age advantage within each grade level, e.g. 3rd graders versus 4th graders competing within the same game level, i.e. Level 2. This rule allows the involvement of more than one player in the game on each word, gives the younger and/or less accomplished players more practice spelling words, and challenges younger players to attempt to spell more difficult words.
  • The winner of the present spelling game is the first player to reach the FINISH space. The final move made by a player to land on the FINISH space is preferably by an exact number of spaces. For example, if a player is two spaces away from the FINISH and rolls an indicia that would allow him more than two spaces then the player must wait until his next turn to roll the die again.
  • The reader will use the dictionary pronunciation guide, if the reader is not familiar with the correct pronunciation. The rules will also encourage parents to become involved as designated readers and will encourage the reader to show the playing card to the other players and ask for their help (except the speller and last place alternate speller) if the reader has a question about the word's pronunciation so that a proper pronunciation of the word can be made.
  • In another embodiment, the game can be played in teams, with each team taking one playing piece. A team can be identified by the color of the game piece, e.g. the “red” team or the “orange” team. The members of the team elect a team captain. During play, the teammates discuss the spelling of the word among themselves, and the captain then announces the team's final spelling answer.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an electronic version comprising an annunciator to announce the spelling words. Use of the annunciator eliminates the need for a designated reader for the game or that the players take turns being the reader. It also allows the last player to be an “alternate speller” in the optional game of play without concern over whether the last player was the reader for that particular turn. In addition, the use of the electronic annunciator further sharpens the player's skill in word pronunciation because the players will not question the pronunciation of a word by a reader as may occur in a non-electronic version.
  • A preferred electronic embodiment shown in FIG. 5 comprises internal circuitry for randomly determining the difficulty of the word to be spelled. This embodiment comprises a row of five buttons 51 a-51 e for players to input the game level of the word to be announced and spelled by the player whose turn it is. This embodiment also comprises a button 53 which is depressed in order to have the device 50 announce a word. Upon depression of button 53, device 50 randomly chooses a word and announces the word. The difficulty level of the word is indicated by one of three lights wherein light 62 is yellow and indicates an EASIER word, a green light 64 indicates an INTERMEDIATE word, and a blue light 66 which indicates a MORE DIFFICULT word. If a player wishes to have a word repeated, a player can depress button 53 again and device 50 will repeat the word. In order to obtain a definition of the word, button 55 is depressed and device 50 will announce a definition or provide some other indication of the word's meaning.
  • After a player has spelled the word, upon depressing button 57 device 50 will provide an indication of the correct spelling of the word. According to this illustrated embodiment, that indication is provided audibly through speaker 75 and visibly on rotatable electronic screen 70, however, in alternative embodiments the correct spelling can be provided either audibly or visibly. Depressing button 53, device 50 will continue to announce the same word until the device has received input that a new word is desired by the depression of button 59. When it is time to move on to a different word, button 59 is depressed prior to the depression of button 53.
  • In another embodiment, the electronic annunciator further comprises circuitry for identifying machine-readable indicia such as a bar code reader. In this embodiment, the spelling cards are provided with some machine-readable indicia, such as a bar code. Such code may be on the same side of the spelling cards that shows the spelling words. Upon passing the spelling card through the bar code reader and the annunciator announces the appropriate word.
  • In yet another embodiment, the annunciator further comprises means for inputting a spelling word, which is then announced by the annunciator. This input means comprises a keyboard.
  • The electronic and mechanical details of the voice annunciator, the random card selector and circuitry involved in the electronic embodiment are not provided herein since they are within the level of skill of one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a game show embodiment wherein a game show host is the designated reader. This embodiment can be played by individual players or by teams. In one such embodiment, there are multiple categories of word difficulties, chosen by incorporating into the highest categories words included in the MORE DIFFICULT category of the board game as well as words used in the championship level of known national spelling bees. In this embodiment, contestants are asked to spell words chosen in the same manner as are the words included in the EASIER and INTERMEDIATE levels of the game in the earlier rounds of the competition for lower amounts of points and/or money and to progressively spell more difficult words as the game progresses, with the penalty of losing accumulated points or money if a word is misspelled. In one such embodiment, there are three contestants who initially have spell-off rounds requiring each player to spell one randomly chosen word of the same difficulty level in each round. A misspelling of any word by a player results in that player being removed from the game unless all other players also misspelled their word in that round, in which event another spell-off round would ensue. The last remaining player after the spell-off advances to the prize round of the game to earn_points and/or money as described above. A computer game could also be designed to follow the same format.
  • In another embodiment, all three contestants spell a randomly selected word and the dollar and/or point value of a correctly spelled word is determined by the percentage of members of the studio audience and or viewers who spell the same word incorrectly, (e.g. if 75% of the viewers spell the word incorrectly the player earns $7,500 for correctly spelling the word or, if 25% of the studio audience/viewers spell the word incorrectly, the player earns $2,500 for correctly spelling the word. The viewer/studio_audience spelling of the word could be done by text messaging or by some other electronic means. The winning player for each game advances to play against two new contestants in the next game and continues to play until he or she lost. In one embodiment, the members of the studio audience can qualify as contestants for the next game by scoring the most number of points based upon their spelling answers in the previous game. Viewers can qualify for inclusion in the studio audience on the same basis.
  • In one internet-based embodiment of the game, players compete against each other by attempting to simultaneously spell the same randomly determined word within a pre-determined time limit (e.g. 15 seconds). A misspelled word prevents a player from being able to advance to the next randomly determined spelling word. The last one hundred players remaining would earn points in reverse order of their finish (e.g. one hundred points for first place, one point for 100th place). Results would be tabulated daily with the top players being identified by their chosen code name.
  • While the various embodiments described herein have been described using an Americanized version of the English language, the present invention is not limited to use in English and can be played in other languages.

Claims (20)

1. A method of playing a spelling game wherein players are required to spell words correctly in order to advance in said game, comprising the steps of:
establishing a game level for each player which corresponds to the player's age or educational grade level and which game level comprises no more than two consecutive age or educational grades for players in grades first through eighth;
randomly selecting a word and a level of spelling difficulty for a word to be spelled by a player,
wherein said word selecting step comprises selecting a word from a plurality of words from known spelling lists within the player's established game level
and wherein said level of spelling difficulty selecting step comprises selecting a level of difficulty from a plurality of word collections established from said plurality of words wherein each such collection comprises words of a different level of spelling difficulty than another;
communicating the selected word and the level of difficulty to the player;
providing a player with an opportunity to spell the randomly selected word, and, if the player correctly spells the selected word, advancing the player in the game, wherein the degree of advancement corresponds to the level of spelling difficulty of the selected word.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said different levels of spelling difficulties are established by at least one of the following criteria: the word length, the number of syllables, the number of silent letters, the number of double letters, the possible spellings caused by sounds that can be spelled by at least two different letters or combinations of letters, how often an average player of a game level would typically read, write, hear, or speak the word in the course of the player's studies, recreational activities and/or normal daily interactions, the degree to which the same sounds and/or letter combinations in the word are contained in other words in the same game level or at lower game levels of the same game, and the number of homonyms.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said different levels of spelling difficulty are established by a plurality of the following criteria: the word length, the number of syllables, the number of silent letters, the number of double letters, the possible spellings caused by sounds that can be spelled by at least two different letters or combinations of letters, how often an average player of a game level would typically read, write, hear, or speak the word in the course of the player's studies, recreational activities and/or normal daily interactions, the degree to which the same sounds and/or letter combinations in the word are contained in other words in the same game level or at lower game levels of the same game, and the number of homonyms.
4. A method according to claim 1 wherein one of said game levels to be established comprises a separate adult level.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said game comprises:
A game board,
A plurality of playing pieces,
A plurality of decks of spelling cards, with each spelling card comprising a plurality of spelling words having different levels of spelling difficulty and indicia indicating the level of said spelling difficulty for said words on each of said plurality of spelling cards, and
A means for randomly determining the level of spelling difficulty of a spelling word to be spelled by a player.
6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said game comprises an electronic version allowing the game level to be chosen by each player and using an annunciator to announce the randomly selected word, the randomly selected level of difficulty and the correct spelling of the word.
7. A method according to claim 1 wherein said method is implemented upon a computer to allow a player to play the game on said computer against a computerized opponent or against another player or players.
8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said method is implemented upon a computer to allow a player to play the game on a remote computer against a computerized opponent or against another player or players.
9. A method according to claim 1 wherein said different levels of spelling difficulty comprise a first level, a second level and a third level of spelling difficulty, and wherein a majority of the words categorized in the first level of spelling difficulty comprise words that can be spelled phonetically, or which can be spelled correctly by a player with knowledge of phonics and the non-phonetic rules of the language to be spelled.
10. A method according to claim 1 wherein said different levels of spelling difficulty comprise a first level, a second level and a third level of spelling difficulty, and wherein a majority of words categorized in said second level of spelling difficulty comprise words which suggest one alternate, incorrect spelling to a player who has knowledge of phonics and the non-phonetic rules of the language of the word to be spelled.
11. A method according to claim 1 wherein said different levels of spelling difficulty spelling words comprise a first level, a second level and a third level of spelling difficulty, and wherein a majority of words categorized in said third level of spelling difficulty comprise words which suggest a plurality of alternate, incorrect spellings to a player who has knowledge of phonics and the non-phonetic rules of the language of the word to be spelled.
12. A method according to claim 5 further comprising a plurality of bonus playing cards.
13. A method according to claim 12 wherein said bonus playing cards provide directions for movement of said playing pieces during play of said spelling game.
14. A method according to claim 5 wherein a player is able to take a shortcut across at least a portion of the game board by correctly spelling one or more of the highest level difficulty words.
15. A method according to claim 12 wherein a player is required to spell one or more of the highest level difficulty words to move past a certain designated space unless the player has acquired a BONUS card allowing the player to proceed.
16. A method according to claim 12 wherein said BONUS cards include cards which may be either beneficial or detrimental to a player's advancement.
17. A method according to claim 16 wherein said beneficial cards comprise cards which direct a player to move forward to a certain designated space on the game board or to move forward a set number of spaces, or to move another player back
18. A method according to claim 16 wherein said detrimental cards comprise cards which direct players to move back to a certain designated space on the game board, to move back a set number of spaces or to lose a turn.
19. A method according to claim 12 wherein said bonus cards include cards which may be either beneficial or detrimental to the player's advancement depending upon the player's position on the game board.
20. A method according to claim 19 wherein said cards that may be either beneficial or detrimental dependent upon the player's position on the game board comprise cards which direct a player to go to the nearest of certain designated spaces on the game board.
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CN111063242A (en) * 2020-01-14 2020-04-24 重庆工业职业技术学院 Accounting learning method and accounting learning device
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