Kiwanis Little Bee Spelling Competition Names 2026 Finalists From 28 Schools

The Kiwanis Club of New Kingston has moved 10 young spellers into the finals of its 2026 Little Bee Spelling Competition, following an April 25 spell-off featuring children from 28 basic, infant, preparatory and early childhood schools.

The competition is designed for children aged four and five. Organisers said eligible entrants must not have turned six on or before June 30, and each participating school selected one representative after staging its own internal contest. The finalists are expected to compete at PBCJ Studio.

At the spell-off, children were called by school and asked to spell words from a prepared booklet before moving on to unseen words once the list was exhausted. No picture prompts were allowed. The opening rounds gave contestants room to settle before eliminations began, with organisers reminding parents, teachers and supporters that the day was meant to build courage, confidence and early literacy.

The Little Bee contest is the signature project of the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston and is aimed at strengthening spelling and literacy among young children. Organisers said the event started in 2002 through the club’s Young Children Priority One committee, which focuses on children from birth to age five.

The competition has grown from six schools in its first year to 28 schools in 2026. In earlier years, schools could send more than one child, but the format now allows one representative per school. Organisers also highlighted the free Little Bee spelling app, developed during the coronavirus pandemic with support from Western Union, as a practice tool that works without Wi-Fi.

Past winners include Siobhan’s Basic School, RJ Citizens Advice Basic School, Elim Early Childhood Centre, Bethany Basic School, Jamaica House Basic School and Lise Grey Basic School. Among the schools named in this year’s finalist group were Bethany Early Childhood Development Center, Excelsia Primary and Infant School, Junior World Learning and Activity Center, Porter Center of Knowledge, St. Theresa Preparatory, Sunrise Educational Center, The Choice Academy and Siobhan’s Basic School.

Organisers thanked teachers, parents and students for supporting the programme, saying the contest is intended to do more than test spelling. They said it helps children improve vocabulary, reading, writing, memory, confidence and social skills while encouraging them to take on healthy academic challenges.