Spelling and Grammar Games and Puzzles

Create Your Own Fun Spelling and Grammar Activities

Many times, grammar and spelling lessons involve a lot of worksheets, memorization and drilling, but it doesn't have to be that way. Spelling and grammar games and puzzles can make these topics exciting and accessible for kids. Here are some of our favorites that can engage your child while providing extra practice.

Three Spelling and Grammar Exercises for Kids

Hangman

This version of hangman gives your son practice in both spelling and grammar. Start the game out as usual, using your son's vocabulary list for words. Next, give him a clue by indicating the part of speech. For example, if the word is 'globe,' provide five spaces and the clue 'noun.' If the word is 'annoying,' draw eight spaces and the clue 'adjective.' Filling in the blanks gives your son a spelling review and also provides a memorable connection to the parts of speech.

Parts of Speech Poetry

Grammar may be difficult for some kids to understand, so you can use this hands-on activity to help your daughter get a better grasp on the parts of speech. Start by collecting a few newspapers and magazines for her to work with. Then, have your daughter cut out words to create a short poem or narrative paragraph. Once completed, she'll label the parts of speech within each sentence, including noun, verb, adjective and adverb. Being able to look at each word individually should help her better recognize the parts of speech.

Word Jumble

No matter what grade your child is in, you can create puzzles to help him or her with vocabulary lists from the classroom. You can make one on your own with pen and paper or use free online tools that allow you to input words to automatically create a puzzle.

Puzzle options typically include crosswords and word searches, but another choice that really emphasizes correct spelling is the word jumble. Take your child's weekly vocabulary list, mix up the letters of each word and have him or her try to unscramble them. This activity helps your child to recall correct spelling and can help him or her prepare for tests.