English is the most spoken language in the world. It’s also the most common second language learned globally. Whether you’re a non-native speaker looking to improve your language or a native speaker who wants to expand your vocabulary, word games are here to save the day! Word games can be used for countless reasons and they are proven to be effective as well. This guide will cover various word games that were created specifically to enhance your English skills.
Benefits of Word Games
Word games make learning fun! Instead of sitting through a boring lecture or reading off note cards, word games let learners have fun with it. By making it more entertaining, players become more invested and motivated in what they’re doing.
The active participation required during gameplay greatly improves learning retention. When players actively engage with the words being taught instead of simply hearing them from someone else, their brain makes a deeper connection.
By exposing players to so many different words over and over again throughout the course of playing one game, their vocabulary expands at an exponential rate. This allows players to communicate their thoughts and ideas much clearer than before.
Many word games incorporate grammar and spelling into them as well, which helps reinforce those concepts in players’ minds. Typically, these concepts are something that’s just memorized rather than actual knowledge that’s used on a daily basis—until you start playing word games!
Lastly, there are so many different formats of word games that it’s nearly impossible for someone not to find one they enjoy! Whether it’s Scrabble or a mobile app on your phone, there is something out there for everyone!
Now that we’ve covered why these types of games work so effectively at teaching people new languages—let’s get into some examples!
Different Kinds of Games
1. Scrabble
Scrabble is known by almost everyone since it has been around forever! Players strategically arrange tiles with letters on them onto a board to spell words and earn points. While learning new vocabulary, players also enhance strategic thinking and spatial awareness.
2. Boggle
Boggle is a fast-paced game with a time limit. Players use their given letters on dice to create as many words as possible in the short amount of time given. This game sharpens word recognition skills and expands vocabulary while working at a fast pace.
3. Word Searches
Word searches are great because they can be done by yourself with no time limit or drawing other people into it! Searching for hidden words amongst a grid of mixed-up letters may not seem like the most productive way to learn, but you’d be surprised just how much attention you’re paying to each letter you scan over!
4. Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles like the word zenith combine general trivia knowledge with vocabulary! Players have to fill out an intersecting grid using clues provided that often test their brain power.
5. Word Association
Word association is more of a free-spirited game since the only rules are: don’t say what the person before you said & say something relevant to it! It’s entertaining for everyone involved and really helps people think quickly on their feet when trying to come up with random connections.
6. Hangman
Hangman. The spine-chilling guessing game that makes you spell. Players try to uncover a hidden word by suggesting letters. If your guess is wrong, a noose strangles the life out of the poor guy on the gallows. How dark! But hey, that’s the hangman. In reality, though, it’s quite simple: deduce the word by learning spelling rules and new vocabulary.
7. Bananagrams
Bananagrams are like taking normal wordplay, injecting it into a race car, and driving it as fast as you can around your kitchen table! Tangle together words with letter tiles at an epic pace and create an interconnected crossword grid. This game is all about thinking on your feet and spatial reasoning, making it a perfect fast-paced choice for any language enthusiast!
Read More: The Role of Play in Language Acquisition – Make Learning Fun
How to get the most out of them?
If you want to wield these games in your favor when it comes to language learning then consider these strategies below:
1. Regular Practice
Saying practice makes perfect might be cliché but there’s some truth behind those words! Dedicate time each day to dive headfirst into language games and track how many steps forward you’ve taken over time!
2. Vocabulary Expansion
New words are new friends! Whenever you stumble across a strange term while playing any of these games make sure to jot it down. Incorporate them into your own vocab and look for ways to use them in everyday conversation or writing!
3. Diversify Your Selection
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket…of board games, I suppose? That doesn’t sound right, but nonetheless, MIX IT UP! The more variety in games, the more skills you’ll target while learning English!
4. Social Interaction
Clack letters together with buddies or join online communities where other people are eager to learn like yourself! Collaborating with other people who share similar goals can sharpen perspective on things not yet discovered.
5. Reflective Practice
Once you’ve put the game down, take a moment to think about your performance. Did you win? Lose? Either way, you can always find ways to improve. Set specific goals for yourself and keep track of how fast you grow over time.
