Literacy Games For Kids | Make Learning Fun

Do you often struggle to get your kid to sit still and spend time learning?

Or do you want to make learning more interactive and enjoyable for your child?

Kids, especially younger ones, need a lot of stimulation and variety to keep their attention. This is especially true when it comes to learning.

That’s where literacy games for kids can help!

In this blog, we will discuss literacy games and list 8 examples you and your child can try out together.

What Are Literacy Games?

Literacy games are interactive activities or exercises designed to promote literacy skills in children. These games often focus on improving reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities while making the learning experience fun.

What are the benefits of using literacy games for kids?

• Interactive, hands-on learning experience
• Improvement in literacy skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking
• Increased motivation to learn
• Development of critical thinking skills
• Encourages creativity and imagination
• Builds confidence in using language

Examples of Literacy Games for Kids

Below, we’ll list 8 of our favourite literacy games for kids; some are online, and others can be played offline.

1. Scrabble

Scrabble is a popular and beloved board game (now an online game, too) that families have been playing for generations.

This literacy game involves creating words using letter tiles and scoring points based on the letters used.

It teaches children to recognise and form words, as well as improve their spelling skills.

2. Dictionary Search

This might sound surprising, but dictionary search can actually be a fun game for kids!

Give your child a dictionary and ask them to find words that fit certain criteria.

For example, “find three words that rhyme with ‘cat'” or “find five adjectives that describe the colour yellow”.

This game helps children expand their vocabulary and teaches them how to use a dictionary.

3. Storytelling Game

This literacy game encourages creativity and imagination.

Get a piece of paper with numbers and have your child roll a die to determine the story elements (character, setting, problem) they should include in their story.

For example, the dice rolls a 3, 6, and 2.

The three on the paper represent a princess, the six represent a castle as the setting, and the two represent losing a beloved item as the problem.

The story is then created based on these elements – a princess sitting in a castle looking for her lost crown.

Give your child the opportunity to tell this story from beginning to ending, using their own words and imagination.

4. Word Building

This game is great for younger kids who are just starting to learn how to read and write.

Give them a set of letter tiles and ask them to create as many words as they can within a certain time frame (e.g. one minute).

You can also give them specific letters and ask them to create words using those letters.

This game helps children practise spelling, phonics, and word recognition.

5. Mad Libs

Mad Libs is a classic literacy game that has been around for decades.

It involves filling in the blanks in a story with different parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives) to create a silly and often hilarious story.

This game helps with grammar and vocabulary and can also be a fun way to introduce new words to children.

There are many online versions of Mad Libs available, but you can also create your own using a blank template and fill in the blanks yourself.

6. Alphabet Scavenger Hunt

This game is perfect for younger children who are learning their alphabet.

Create a list of items starting with each letter of the alphabet (e.g. A – apple, B-ball, C – cat) and have your child scavenger hunt around the house or outside to find these items.

This game helps with letter recognition and reinforces vocabulary for everyday objects.

You can even make it more challenging by adding a time limit or asking your child to find items that start with each letter in a specific order.

7. Write Out A Grocery List

This is a win-win situation for both you and your child.

Have your child help you make a grocery list by writing out the items that need to be bought. It is a great way to get your child involved in weekly activities and show them the practical application of writing.

Once you’re at the store, let your child read the grocery list aloud and check off items as they are found.

As an extension, you can have your child help you budget for the groceries by adding up the prices of each item on the list and keeping track of how much money is being spent.

8. Flashcard Memory Game

Create a set of flashcards with pictures and corresponding words (e.g., a picture of a dog with the word “dog” written underneath). You can also get memory flashcards online if you don’t want to make them yourself.

Place the cards upside down and have your child turn over two at a time to try and make matches.

Each time they turn over a card, ask them to read the word or name the object in the picture. This game helps with memory, reading and vocabulary skills.

Make Learning Fun Today!

With these literacy games, your kid will have a blast while developing important literacy skills. Remember to always be patient and encouraging as your child learns and grows.

If you still find your child struggling with certain concepts, don’t hesitate to contact us.

At Tutor Doctor, we offer personalised tutoring services in South Africa for children of all ages.

We can help develop your child’s literacy skills through one-on-one tutoring sessions that are tailored to their learning style and needs.