The Journal Star Corporate Spelling Bee will bring together the central Illinois business community to fight the problem of illiteracy. Up to 25 three-member teams will compete in the single elimination contest. The team with the largest cheering section will also win a prize. By providing low-cost or free classroom newspaper subscriptions and free teaching materials, teachers are able to use the Journal Star as a tool to enhance regular lesson plans and textbooks. National studies prove that students who use the newspaper in class score higher in reading comprehension, develop stronger critical thinking skills, and display a stronger sense of compassion and tolerance for diversity.
Newspapers motivate students to learn by relating classroom lessons to real world events.
The Journal Star pays for half of all classroom subscriptions. Even so, a growing number of schools require financial assistance to underwrite the cost of newspapers for their students. Proceeds from the Corporate Spelling Bee will help sponsor these classroom subscriptions. Each team will consist of three members. Each team must designate one speller for the competition.