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Some children may groan at the sight of a spelling or vocabulary list (or worse, a dictionary), finding the practice of memorizing words and their meanings to be more than just a little unpleasant. You can't make your child's spelling or language tests go away, but you can certainly teach him or her a number of fun and easy activities at home that will help your child develop and strengthen important language skills...and have a little fun in the process. On a rainy day - or even a sunny one - encourage your child to try out one of these fun word games.

Word "Go Fish"
This game helps children develop word (and letter) recognition abilities and is perfect for those learning sight words.

• Make a list of age-appropriate words for your child (or use your child's vocabulary or spelling list from school).
• Using note cards, write each word (use 24 words) on a note card twice: on the left side and the right side.
• Cut the note cards in half, so that the word is on two separate cards. You should have 24 pairs of matching word cards (48 cards total).
• Mix all the cards into a bowl or hat and have each player select 8 cards.
• Play the game using the same rules as "Go Fish," where each player holds his or her cards and attempts to match each card with its pair.
• When a match is made, the player puts the matching cards face up in front of him.
• Play continues until all cards are matched (and all cards in the pile are gone). The winner is the player with the most matches.

Word Scramblers
Word scramblers help children visualize letters that make up words and fine tune their spelling abilities. Most grocery and book stores carry workbooks of word scramble games, and you can also find plenty of Internet sites to create scrambled words for you that you can print or write down for your child. Try www.superkids.com. Here, you can create your own printable scrambled word worksheets (as well as hidden word puzzles) by typing in your own list of words.

If your child enjoys this type of game, there are many options for him or her to choose from, including anagrams, cryptograms, rebus puzzles, crossword puzzles and many others, also available in workbook format at grocery and book stores, or online.

Dictionary Bluff
You can play the board game Balderdash or the homemade version of this game with paper, pens or pencils and a dictionary. This game may be most fun (and appropriate) for older children that are comfortable writing.

• The first player (the "bluffer") selects a word from the dictionary and writes down the definition of the word onto a scrap of paper.
• All other players then write down a definition of their own, which may be either fictitious or an honest attempt at guessing the correct definition.
• The players hand their definitions to the bluffer, who reads all definitions out loud. Players record the answer they believe is correct.
• Once all players have recorded their guess at the correct definition, the bluffer reveals the true answer. Players that guess the correct definition receive two points. Players are awarded one point for each other player who chooses the fake definition they wrote. The bluffer is awarded three points if no one guesses the correct definition.
• Play continues as long as all players wish. When you're ready to quit, add up each player's points. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Hangman
This game is effective in teaching children to sharpen their word decoding and spelling skills.

• Have one person choose a simple word or phrase.
• Draw blanks at the bottom of the piece of paper for each letter of the word(s) chosen - for example, "Hello" would be "_ _ _ _ _."
• Draw an upside-down "L" on the page.
• Have the guessing player(s) guess one letter at a time. The other player should draw a body part that hangs from the upside-down "L" each time the letter chosen is not part of the word. (First draw a head, then eyes, ears, nose, body, legs and arms.)
• If the drawing of the person is finished before the guessing player guesses (or completely fills in) the word or phrase, the guessing player loses.

Looking for more fun ideas? Talk with your child's teacher. Many teachers utilize word games and puzzles regularly in the classroom and may be able to suggest a range of options that your child will enjoy.

Of course, there are plenty of store-bought games that are perfect for "family game night" or for your children and their friends to enjoy. Consider one of these classic games:

SCRABBLE
SCRABBLE, the crossword board game, is a wonderful way for children to become better spellers and enhance their vocabularies. If young children are playing, parents may want to consider sitting in with a dictionary to assist.

Mad Libs
Mad Libs is a word game where players prompt each other for a list of words (adjectives, nouns, verbs and other) to fill in blank spaces within a story. The result is a goofy tale that doesn't make much sense, but is sure funny to read. Your child may never tire of this silly game.

More board games
EducationalLearningGames.com sells thousands of educational games for children of all ages, including grammar, phonics, spelling and word games.

Word and language games can be fun for many children, but if your child is frustrated in school and struggles with spelling, reading and writing, turn to Huntington for help. Our diagnostic assessment will measure your child's current abilities, uncovering specific areas that may be hindering his or her learning. Call Huntington today to learn how we can help your child.

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