Unleash the Fun: Transform Reading and Writing into Engaging Games for Kids!

Apr 19

Reading Time: 2 mins, 30 secs

mother and daughter playing engaging games

Game-based learning is not only entertaining; it helps children connect what they are learning to the real world. Many teachers use playing games to enhance their teaching while keeping students connected and engaged.

There are many reasons to incorporate game-based learning, including:

Increasing motivation
Promoting creativity
Lowering stress levels
Entertainment

Increasing Motivation
Literacy and reading games can be specifically engaging for children who experience difficulty sitting at their desks. Whether children are bored or struggle to pay attention, kids with focusing challenges will feel entertained when learning through play.

Promoting Creativity
Playing games encourages creativity in children as they engage in make-believe and planning winning strategies.

Lowering Stress Levels
When children are enjoying a game, they aren’t worried about getting a good grade. This allows a child the freedom to learn in a way that doesn’t focus on academic achievement.

Entertainment
Teachers and parents alike recognize the need to entertain when teaching. An entertained learner is an eager learner!

With online learning and so much more classwork being completed at school instead of at home, parents can feel they need guidance about where to start.

IXL.com is a wonderful resource for age-based learning games.

From Pre-K through 12th grade, IXL provides a breakdown of phonics, reading comprehension, and writing strategies. Parents can also sign up for an IXL account. Many schools already offer students an IXL account that can also be used at home.

While learning sites like IXL require technology like an iPad, smartphone, or computer, parents can find various off-screen options online via sites like Pinterest. In addition, creative parents can feel free to invent playful games based on grade level.

A quick search on the web can provide a vast expanse of information. But don’t get overwhelmed by all the information available.

Here are a few learning games you can try at home:

For kindergarteners

Alphabet Treasure Hunt - Try writing the letters of the alphabet on index cards. Hide them around the house. Have your kindergartner search for all 26 letters in the alphabet, telling you what each letter is as they find it.

For 1st graders and 2nd graders

● Diphthong Challenge - A “diphthong” is a sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable, as in the vowels in “loud,” “boy,” “dear,” or “cow.”

Write words like “boy” and “boi” and ask your child to pick the correct spelling. For more advanced children, you can also speak these words and ask them to spell them. Then, reward your child for every correct answer by placing a small piece of candy into a jar. After you end the game, your child can eat their candy “points!”

For 3rd and 4th graders

Looking for Inferences - This is something young readers can do simply by observing the world around them. Children must learn to make inferences from pictures, word choices, settings, and characters when reading. For example, if a character in a book lives with dogs and cats, a child can infer that the character loves animals. Teach children to observe the world this way by asking them to make inferences about their observations.

Mom and child playing the lou adventures app

Games can be both simple and engaging! Lou Adventures helps your child grow their reading skills through interactive stories and immersive reading experiences. This one is sure to be a favorite for many ages!