Crossword puzzles and word searches can occupy your time and entertain you while reinforcing the spelling of tricky words from the Scripps Consolidated Word List (See Resources). You can generate word searches and crossword puzzles for free on the Internet by typing in words from your spelling bee word list and, for crossword puzzles, typing in clues or definitions of the words. If you print out your puzzles, you can take them with you and work on them during free windows of time.
If you're hanging out with your family or a group of friends, you could have them assist you in learning your Scripps National Spelling Bee words by challenging them to a word game. For example, you could try playing Scrabble or one of its variations with a house rule that the only acceptable words must come from your Scripps Consolidated Word List. You could also play a game of hangman, but only picking words from the list.
When running through the Scripps Consolidated Word List, use creative or funny mnemonic devices to help you remember how to spell tricky words. For example, if you're trying to spell "haori," a word that appeared in the 2011 finals, a mnemonic device could be, "Hungry Andy ordered rice instead." If your mind's running blank, you can try using a random mnemonic generator (See Resources). Songs and poems can help you remember large clusters of words as well as spelling. You can pick four or five different words and try to make a poem using one of the chosen spelling bee words per line.
Practicing the spelling bee in your home can be a fun way to prepare for the real thing while helping you understand what to expect. A parent or friend can act as the announcer and you can set up a large room, such as the game or living room, to look like a spelling bee by lining up folding chairs or kitchen chairs and using a chest of drawers, desk or end table to act as the podium. Invite your friends over to watch or compete in your mock bee. The announcer of this practice spelling bee should use previous Scripps National Spelling Bee words to further prepare you.