Hi Spelling Bee Friends!

Our journey to create spellingbee.live started around our kitchen table, where our 12-year-old daughter Ava was practicing for her first regional spelling bee. As parents, we wanted to help, but quickly discovered that reading words from practice lists didn't capture the real competition experience. Ava would tell us, "It's different when you're standing there listening to the words!"

One evening, after another practice session of Dad trying his best to sound like an official pronouncer (and failing hilariously, according to Ava), we had an idea. What if we could create a tool that actually simulated the experience of a real spelling bee? Something that would let kids practice not just the spelling, but the whole experience of listening carefully and spelling out loud?

As a software developer and former elementary school teacher, we realized we had the perfect combination of skills to bring this idea to life. Ava became our chief testing officer, providing honest feedback like only a 12-year-old can: "Dad, that word was WAY too easy" or "Mom, real spelling bees give you more time to think!"

What started as a simple tool to help our daughter has grown into spellingbee.live, a platform where young spellers can practice in an environment that feels just like the real thing. Ava not only went on to place third in her regional bee (we're still beaming with pride!), but she also helped us create something that could help other kids feel more confident and prepared.

Today, we're a family on a mission to make spelling bee practice more accessible, more effective, and most importantly, more fun for everyone. Because as Ava taught us, sometimes the best way to learn is when it doesn't feel like studying at all.

From our family to yours,

Jason, Rachel, Ava

P.S. Ava insists we mention that she can now spell "onomatopoeia" without hesitation - a word that once sent her running from the room!