Using Games to Teach Reading

There are games can serve as reading aids. Such games include Scrabble, UpWords, crossword puzzles, word search games, and scavenger hunts. These games offer students the chance to improve their reading and spelling skills without the drudgery associate with worksheets and homework.

Scrabble and UpWords

Scrabble and UpWords are fun games to play with your children, and they're educational, too. Both games encourage player to create words out of game piece, while providing lessons in vocabulary acquisition and retention. Unfortunately, these games are a little too advanced for younger children. If necessary, pair adults and children together, or put older siblings with younger ones to create teams. Encourage younger players to study the game pieces and help them to create words.

Crossword Puzzles and Word Searches

Crossword puzzles are another reading, spelling, and vocabulary building activity. Puzzles are available for diffeent skill levels, so the whole family can have fun solving them. There are crossword dictionaries that can be purchased to help people with especially tricky crossword clues.

Not only can a child learn from games like crossword puzzles, but they can also practice their word recognition skills with word searches. Word searches help children to recognize letters and word recognitions. Try doing word searches with your child.

Before your child searches for each word, have him read the word aloud and see if he can define it. If he is unsure what the word means, pronounce it several times, then look up its meaning in a dictionary. Children also have fun creating their own word searches and crossword puzzles. Technology has made this task easy. There are programs available for purchase or free download that can create these documents in seconds.

Scavenger Hunts

Parents don't have to rely on conventional games alone to help their children learn to read. They can also conduct scavenger or treasure hunts. In these games, children have to read items on a list or read clues in order to win or find their treasure. If a kid misreads a part of their clue or list, then they will be unable to finish. If you're planning a scavenger or treasure hunt for younger kids, make sure that an adult or older child is included in each group. Encourage younger children to do most of the reading and have the older players act as guides.