Free Kids' Word Games
Whether you are looking for ways to spice up the classroom or wanting to help your own kids get excited about words, word games reinforce concepts and help children learn--all without too much complaining. Some games can be played with a partner or in a group, and some work well for solo play.
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Chain Reaction
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Each player writes the letters "A" to "Z" down the left-hand margin of their paper, front and back. The teacher writes a category on the board, such as animals or state capitals. Players then have a set amount of time to write as many words as they can think of that fit that category, putting them with whatever letter they start with. The first player then says a word that starts with "A." The next player says a word, which must be from his list, which starts with the last letter of the word the previous player said. If there is no appropriate word on the list, that player is out. Play continues until only one person is left.
Hidden Words
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Write a word on the board or on the top of the paper. The object of the game is to write as many words as possible using letters in the first word. Long words give more options. For at-home play, get creative and see if there are any longer words familiar to your family, such as the city you live in or Grandma's maiden name.
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Printables
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Classic printables, such as word searches, crossword puzzles and mad libs, never lose their appeal. You can make your own to fit a theme (spelling words, a history unit or the family vacation).
Sentence Race
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Make two identical sets of index cards with one word on each card. Use spelling and vocabulary words, past and present. Make the same number of cards as you will have children in your groups. Make a master list of the words used. Divide children into two groups and give each group a set of cards to pass out so everyone has a card. Call out a word. The students with that word (one from each group) race to the board and write a sentence using that word. The best sentence (which is also free of errors) wins a point for the team.
Word Memory
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Make a memory game with words. Sets include a word on one card and its definition on the matching card. Use heavy paper for the cards and be sure the writing doesn't show through the opposite side. Mix up cards and place face down on the table. Cards are turned over two at a time in hopes of making a match. If the cards match, they are removed from play. If not, the cards are turned back over and two more cards are flipped. This game can be played by one child or in teams, with each team getting a point for each match.
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