While there is often debate about how to go about helping children increase their vocabulary, there is no doubt all of us want our kids to have an extensive vocabulary and an ease with words.
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Making Vocabulary Fun
This is a collection of games, printables, activities, and curriculum to help you make vocabulary more fun in your homeschool.
Games
1. Dabble
A brain teaser and family game in one. You build words in pyramids. To play, say “Go!” and race to spell 5 words using your 20 tiles — the first person to finish wins.
2. Flocabulary Mini Games
These games are intentionally designed to require minimal preparation and basic rules so that you can quickly choose one and immediately get playing.
3. Scrabble
Scrabble is the first game my husband and I played together. Players can show off their vocabulary skills as they build words with the wooden letter tiles, and rack up the points with double and triple letter and word scores. There are both adult and Junior Versions so everyone can play!
4. Hangman
While you can play Hangman on paper with your kids, it’s also fun for them to play alone with this FREE Online Hangman. Choose from categories like US Presidents, mountains, Ancient Egypt and so many more!
5. Bananagrams
Printable Vocabulary Activities
1. Education.com Worksheets
Education.com as loads of printable vocabulary activities. Plugin practice, word cards, search a words, and so much more!
2. Word UP! Printable Bookmarks
The best vocabulary words are chosen by students! Start by giving each student a copy of the Word Up! bookmark. Instruct students to copy down words they are unsure of or powerful words from their nightly reading. Encourage students to use context clues within the text to define their words. Model the process with them and practice in class. If students cannot unlock the meaning of words using the context clues, show them how to use print and online dictionaries for help.
3. Printable Organizers and Quizzes for ANY List
Graphic organizers, editable cut & paste activities, and booklet templates! Use this pack to practice and assess any list of words.
4. Word Searches and Cross Word Puzzles
Not only can you do a Google search to turn up tons of these, but you can buy books with loads of them to keep your kids entertained and learning! There are also FREE Word Search Creators and FREE Cross Word Makers so you can make your own!
Curriculum
1. Soaring with Spelling and Vocabulary
This is a daily spelling program that includes eight separate grade levels of spelling/vocabulary work. I love the independent work nature of this program. Other than having to do the pre and post test with your student, Soaring with Spelling is set up for your student to learn independently.
2. Middle School Spelling and Vocabulary from Abeka
This is a Christian based and written for 7th graders. It is a well put together spelling and vocabulary program that really helped our daughter develop both of these important English skills. It includes:
- 24 word list spelling lessons
- 4 review lessons
- practice in spelling through additional contextual exercises
- proofreading practice
- Spell it Right exercises for reinforcement
- Six poems to memorize
3. Word Up! Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots
WordUp! is designed for ages 10 and up but when we turn on the Vocab Show, our youngest two come join in too!
Each set includes:
- 10 video lessons (12-15 min each)
- 20 Latin & Greek roots
- 200+ English words
- Links to online Flashcards
4. Wordly Wise 3000
Wordly Wise 3000 is for grades K-12. It provides instruction to develop the link between vocabulary and reading comprehension and is offered in both print and digital formats.
5. Vocabulary Cartoons
Vocabulary Cartoons SAT Word Power books are a fun way to prepare for the SAT and are helpful for visual and tactile learners. Includes spelling, grammar and vocabulary.
More English Help and Fun for Your Homeschool
- The Ultimate Guide to Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum
- 7 Engaging American Literature Curriculum Choices for Your Homeschool
- Games for Reading: Playful Ways to Help Your Child Read
- Games for Writing: Playful Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Write
Heidi Ciravola is mom to three kids who were all homeschooled. Two have graduated college and one is finishing homeschooling high school. She spends much of her time navigating the high school waters (from electives to college prep) and reviewing homeschool curriculum for all ages. You can find her writing about these things as well as her love of books and homeschool life in general over at Starts At Eight.
We have used Vocabulary Fun for a number of years. My daughter is very much a visual learner and learns best when playing games. This site allows my daughter to review and learn without it seeming like mind numbing repetition. She hates to repeat things but at the same time she will play the same games over and over. I say it is good practice! We especially like the typing games. Thanks for the review.