How Children and Students Benefit From Playing Word Games

Kids who are hands-on learners benefit from learning through activities rather than a workbook. Word games are a great way to make learning fun and interactive for these children. Games also incorporate friendly competition, increasing a child’s motivation to solve a puzzle. They will benefit from this important lesson for the rest of their lives.

Encourages Teamwork

Word games are among the best ways to encourage kids and students to work on reading comprehension and spelling skills. Many educational games from sites like Arkadium are incredibly fun and interactive, so children and students won’t even realize they are learning. For example, you can challenge kids to find words that begin with each letter of the alphabet or ask them to complete a specific task while looking around their surroundings, such as “finding words on restaurant signs.” Kids will love working on their spelling and reading comprehension skills in this exciting way.

Some word games are great for encouraging teamwork, too. For example, you can have kids play a version of the popular game of Taboo that requires them to describe a mystery word to their partner. In this challenging game, students learn to communicate clearly with their partners, listen attentively and share their ideas without letting their opponents steal their thoughts. The game also fosters a sense of respect and empathy for others in children. They will understand that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, which is important for developing healthy real-life relationships.

Improves Vocabulary

Students who play word games are exposed to various words and learn to use them in context. It helps speed up their vocabulary development. Vocabulary games also improve their short-term and long-term memory, which is important for learning other subjects. For example, playing charades with vocabulary words encourages them to think creatively and quickly. Moreover, it builds their confidence by challenging them to perform in front of the class. Pictionary is another fun way to work on vocabulary. This game requires teams to draw a vocabulary word in a limited amount of time, and whoever guesses correctly wins a point.

Other games that help improve students’ vocabulary include Jenga and the alphabet game. In addition, storytelling games help children expand their verbal vocabulary and enunciate clearly. For older students, try a game that involves reading and counting the number of syllables in a word—for example, tapping on their arm each time they say the word butt (tap)-er (tap)-fly (tap). Rackword is a fantastic alternative that fosters spelling proficiency entertainingly and engagingly.

Enhances Spelling

Games were once considered frivolous pastimes, but with the right educational twist, they can be a great way for kids to improve their spelling skills. They help children internalize the letters that make up words and teach them how to spell more complex expressions by breaking them down into syllables. One of the best word games for spelling is Hangman, a classic paper-based game. Students take turns spelling words; if they get the word right, they erase part of a hangman figure on the board. It helps them understand the importance of vowels and consonants, which will also improve their writing. Another excellent spelling word game is Scrambled Letters, which can be played using fridge magnets or alphabet blocks. Players choose a word to unscramble; they win if they do it within a time limit. It is an easy way to help children learn how to spell more difficult words, as it provides a lot of practice and repetition. It also encourages a strong sense of achievement, which all kids love!

Develops Problem-Solving Skills

Word games can help kids develop problem-solving skills. They require players to think quickly and make decisions under pressure. For instance, if a player cannot guess a word in time, they may lose the game. Playing these games can teach kids to solve problems as they come up. These games can also strengthen children’s working memory. The ability to hold onto information long enough to use it is critical to learning, particularly in reading and math. Playing word games can improve children’s short- and long-term memory and help them absorb new vocabulary, spelling, and grammar rules better. Because kids move the blocks around and making words can also help them develop their fine motor abilities. In addition, this game can encourage their vocabulary by exposing them to 2, 3, and 4-letter words as they build up the tower. These games can even tell children different adjectives, a skill that will benefit them in their future writing endeavors.

Improves Critical Thinking Skills

Children’s brains require a high level of focus and concentration when learning. One-on-one instruction is ideal for kids to grasp concepts, but classrooms can be distracting, and students may need to practice the correct skills. Online word games provide the perfect opportunity for students to learn at their own pace and ensure they practice accurate skills. Playing word games helps students develop critical thinking skills as they process information quickly and efficiently. They also become more familiar with the relationship between words and their meaning. For example, when they see words like “arm” and “hand” together, they understand they share a similar purpose. This knowledge will help kids in their future endeavors as they are likelier to notice if a statement is false or exaggerated. They will also be better able to distinguish between different vocabulary terms and discover that sometimes seemingly unrelated words are related, such as the antonym of “good” and “bad.” 

Samantha

Samantha hails from Virginia and is a proud wife to a retired Deputy Sheriff and mother to two amazing little boys named Jack & William. A veteran product reviewer; Samantha has been reviewing products for 8 years and offers high quality product reviews with original photography.