Spelling words for 1st grade: short, everyday words that early readers meet on almost every page. Most have one syllable, which makes them the right place to practise hearing each sound in a word and writing the letter or letters that spell it, including consonant blends and digraphs such as st, ch and sh.
The spelling bee list is a step up, for a child who is ready for a first class spelling bee. Every word links to its own page with a recording and a meaning, and the practice buttons open a set of words at the same level, read aloud one at a time, so a child can practise without a grown-up reading out the list.
Updated October 15, 2026.
30 classroom words from level 1 and 20 spelling bee words from level 2 of the nine Spelling Bee Hive levels.
Spelling Bee Hive is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any spelling bee organiser, publisher or dictionary.