What does an elite-level adult Scrabble player have in common with a seven-year-old just learning their four-letter words? They both started the same way. Puzzles are still one of the best ways to occupy your child’s time and assist them with learning. While growing, you most likely encountered household staples like Hangman, Boggle, and, of course, Scrabble. These are fun games for the family, but chances are you weren’t exactly aware of its off-label benefits…
The Benefits of Word Puzzles on A Developing Mind
Regularly integrating word-based puzzle games into your child’s playtime has far-reaching effects that have been cataloged since the practice was first introduced.
Improve Problem Solving Skills
The ability to solve problems is not innate but can be developed through studious tutelage. Children need to learn how to handle problems and issues daily. As compared to other activities, word puzzles can help develop these problem-solving skills.
Enhances Vocabulary
In addition to helping children learn spelling words, word puzzles can help a child develop and enhance their vocabulary. Children need to be able to understand the meaning of certain words to complete word puzzles and games. Children can use this opportunity to ask questions about words they don’t know or look up new words in a dictionary. The development of one’s vocabulary is a vital stage in one’s development that will last their entire life. Additionally, because puzzles are games, most children are not intimidated by unknown words.
May Boost Self-Esteem
Kids may excel in science, social studies, or math. On the other hand, a struggling achiever could be experiencing self-esteem issues because of their lack of visible achievement in these very subjects. Children need to feel good about themselves, their abilities, and their accomplishments. If you are trying to motivate a student who is struggling, introduce them to word puzzles. Each child learns differently. Visual learners often excel at word puzzles – because of the visual approach to learning the puzzle pieces. Hands-on learners may excel at science – due to the very tactile approach to science experiments. As a child completes a word puzzle on their own, they can feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. When it comes to your child’s long-term education, the benefits of great puzzle games are both varied and quantifiable. Having said that, it’s time to see which games made the cut…
Top Five Word Puzzle Games For Kids
Boggle Junior
Boggle Jr. requires children to match the letters on the cubes to the pictures on a set of cards. It may be that the nature of the game inspires children to make up their own rules, but it’s all in good fun. In addition to improving children’s memory and pattern recognition skills, it teaches them how to categorize letters. One or more players, ages 3 to 6, can play this game. The deck contains 30-word cards and picture cards, along with 60 three-letter and four-letter words.
Hangman
Adapted from the classic pen-and-paper game, Hangman is designed for two players and is suitable for ages 8 and up. You can be sure that the younger players will be able to participate as well. Hangman has been proven to develop spelling and word recognition.
Bananagrams
If you’re looking for a word puzzle for your children, Bananagrams is a great choice. Kids will learn more complex words by playing this fun, entertaining, and educational anagram game. The objective is to be the first person to use all of your letters. Alternatively, you can form your words vertically from top to bottom or horizontally from left to right, as well as rearrange your grid as often as you like. After setting your last letter in your grid, shout “Peel!,” and everyone has to take another tile from the “Bunch.”
Quiddler
If the goal is to find a fast-paced game you can play with your child in the shortest time possible, then look no further than Quiddler. This game broadens a child’s vocabulary and spelling skills, which is why it’s recommended for kids six years and up. The rules are: each player is required to create words from the cards in their hand. Your child’s decision-making skills come into play because their amount of cards will increase with every round. Quiddler is highly recommended for kids as it helps them form even the simplest of words, like “bat,” “car,” and “the.” Additional points can be awarded to the player who forms the most words or forms the longest word.
Tapple
Tapple utilizes speed and wordplay to put your child’s vocabulary to the test. In Tapple, letters get eliminated just as soon as someone says a word starting with that particular letter. Therefore, if the first player has to name a fruit and says “book,” no one can use words beginning with the letter “b” for the rest of the game. The game becomes increasingly difficult as letters are eliminated. Additionally, players are only permitted to answer for a finite amount of time. Your child can learn a lot by playing these puzzle games, including making decisions, thinking about risks and probability, and staying calm under pressure. Most importantly, your kids will (hopefully) learn to make the best of a given situation and not be frustrated by bad luck.