Word games can be super fun and engaging for both kids and adults, which is great because they also have enormous educational benefits. Word games can improve vocabulary, encourage focus, and promote problem-solving skills. Think of them as exercises for the brain. Playing word games can help kids with school performance and everyday life by improving communication. Studies have shown that young children who hear more vocabulary and spoken language are better communicators and perform better in reading and writing.
So, I did some research and picked the best and simples word games that will get you started reaping the benefits.
Enjoy!
Please note: I am a participant of the Amazon Services Associates Program and have included “affiliate links” for all the toys. This means that when you click the pictures or links provided and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more about the Amazon Associates Program here.
1) Boggle Jr.
What you need to know: Boggle Jr. is a simple letter matching and spelling game for kids who are just learning to read. It comes with a tray, 8 dice and 30 double-sided picture cards with the names of the pictures written on the bottom. There are two ways to play. Children can choose a picture and match the letters on the dice to spell the word or for a greater challenge, they have the option of covering the words on the bottom inside the tray and spelling the words on their own.
Why I love it: Learning to spell can be tough! Boggle JR is a fun and simple way to introduce and practice spelling 3-4 letter words while working on visual memory.
2) Snippets Junior
What you need to know: A snippet is a short sequence of letters that can be found in other words. Players have 2 minutes to create as many words as possible that contain the snippet being played. Ages 6 and up.
Why I love it: Snippets Junior is a fast-paced game that requires kids to think on their feet. It’s also great for learning spelling and new vocabulary (especially if playing with older family members).
3) Rhyme Out!
What you need to know: Rhyme Out is an amazingly fun (and original) game! Each card comes with 3 clues that are read out loud to all the players. Then players compete to guess 3 rhyming words that match each clue. For example, if the clues are “ something you roll in a game, something served with Chinese food, and head bugs,” the answer would be “dice, rice, and lice.” See, amazingly fun! This would make a great party game as it’s meant to be played with 3 or more players. Rec for 10 and up.
Why I love it: See the reasons above. Plus, it really gets you thinking. Oh, and it also makes an excellent travel game!
4) Read My List
What you need to know: Read My List comes with 3 different playing cards. The Lists Cards, which require players to add words that fit a category on the list. The Category List, which requires players to listen to a list and name the category it falls under, and the Lightening Cards, which require players to take turns naming things that fall under a certain category.
Why I love it: Read My List makes a great party and ice breaker game. It encourages a quick reaction time and teaches to think on the spot. It’s also great auditory memory practice.
5) Pop for Word Families Game
What you need to know: Pop for Word Families is a straightforward word and spelling board game. Players spin the spinner, then pull a card from the popcorn box that has a 2-3 letter ending. Players then have to create the number of words that have that ending as the spinner shows. The popcorn cards also incorporate rhyming practice.
Why I love it: This is an easy to learn game that has enormous educational reading and spelling benefits. It’s also a lot of fun!
6) Scrabble Jr
What you need to know: Scrabble Jr. is a classic word game for kids. It comes with a double-sided game board for 2 game variations. One side focuses on matching letters to create words while the other side focuses on forming your own words. Ages 5 and up.
Why I love it: It’s a great way to practice letter recognition, spelling, and vocabulary. Board games are also great for promoting attention, patience, and perseverance as well as learning to follow directions, take turns, work with others and engage in friendly competition.
7) Wordplay for Kids
What you need to know: No taking turns here! Players rush to come up with the most words that contain the 2 letters that the spinner lands on. The dice shows the category that the players must use. The longer your word, the more spaces you move on the game board. Wordplay is for ages 6 and up.
Why I love it: No waiting in this game as players work independently to solve the word problems.
8) My First Brain Quest
What you need to know: The goal of My First Brain Quest is to get little kids thinking, answering questions, and learning new information through illustrated picture cards.
Why I love it: It fosters critical thinking, visual processing, sustained attention, and language development.
9) 5 Second Rule Jr.
What you need to know: 5 Second Rule Jr is a simple fast paced word board game for kids 6 and up, but younger players may be able to join in on the fun with some modification. The goal of the game is to name 3 words in categories written on the question cards within a 5 second time frame.
Why I love it: This game will prompt creativity and inspire a ton of laughs! The squeaky 5 second timer with the rotating beads adds to the entertainment.:)
10) Word on the Street Junior
What you need to know: Word on the Street will challenge your spelling skills and encourage quick thinking. To play: choose a question card and move the tiles on the game board (towards your side of the road) that spell out the answer. But…Wait. Your opponents will try to move the letters back to their side of the road on the next turn. The player who moves 8 tiles across the street, wins the game.
Why I love it: Word on the Street is a fun and interactive board game that will keep you (and the kids) on their toes as they practice spelling, thinking on the spot, and problem-solving.
11) Don’t Say It!
What you need to know: Can you describe a word on a card without using 4 related words? In the Don’t Say It game, kids will have to get creative and problem-solve to win the game.
Why I love it Don’t Say It encourages the use of descriptive vocabulary, communication, and creativity.