Board games are one of the most frequently used resources in our homeschool for all subjects. There are so many games that can be used to teach kids necessary skills including reading and spelling.
The games that we have been using the most lately for sight word practise are the Pop Words games. I like that my early readers can play with my established readers and all enjoy themselves because the addition of the “Pop” cards (which make you lose all your earned cards) makes it a more even playing field.
Look for games that are adaptable for your child’s abilities and fun to play. Children retain information better when they are relaxed which is one of the reasons that learning through board games is so effective.
Board Games for Reading and Spelling:
Scrabble Alphabet Scoop
Spelligator Board GameEducational Insights Grandma’s Trunk Alphabet GameEducational Insights Tri-Tective – The 3-Letter Mystery Word GameBANANAGRAMS Party EditionLearning Resoures POP for LettersLearning Resources Pop for Blends GameLearning Resources POP for Word Families GameLearning Resources Pop For Sight Words GameLearning Resources Pop for Sight Words 2 GameThinkFun What’s GnuDidax Chunks The Incredible Word Building Game – Set ofScrabble Junior GameBoggle Junior GameZingo Sight WordsSuper WHY! ABC Letter GameThe Learning Journey Match It! SpellingThe Learning Journey Match It! Memory, AlphabetAlphabet Bingo GamesTrend Young Learner Bingo Game, Sightwords (T6064)Spinny Speller – Made in USALearning Resources Snap It Up! Phonics & Reading Card GameEdupress 1435934 Edupress EP3757 Grades K to 1, 1.3Sight Words Level A Pocket Flash Cards
Make Your Own:
Hangman is a classic game and all that it required is a pen (or pencil) and paper. This simple guessing game is great for kids who are just learning to read and spell.
Playing with Scrabble or Upwords tiles to create words and make your own games is also easy to do.
Teach Beside Me has created a board game called Spell for Your Life that you can print for free.
The Measured Mom has a free spelling game. It has a Fall theme but can be adapted for any word list you are working on.
The Measured Mom also has a really cool train game to help in teaching long A spelling. While you’re over at The Measured Mom, poke around a bit. She has a lot of free printable board games for a variety of teaching topics and you are likely to find one that will fit your needs.
Teach Mama has a game called Wordo which can be adapted for teaching letters or whole words.
This Reading Mama has a short vowel spelling game printable pack that is available for just $2. That is certainly much less than what a board game at the store will cost.
File Folder Games can also be a good way to reenforce sight words or other concepts.
Board games have been part of our kids’ learning for as long as I can remember. I think the thing I like most about them is that not only are they learning without realizing it, we are also creating family memories and spending time together!
If you are interested in finding more learning/teaching ideas, you may be interested in following my Homeschooling Board on Pinterest.
You may also be interested in reading how we use Math Board Games for learning.
