Playing games is a great way to have quality family time AND encourage language growth.

Below are a list of games and their connection to language:

Scattergories Junior: this game promotes the use of categories. Players are given a specific letter as well as a list of categories. Each player must think of various items of each category that begin with that letter.

Headbanz: this game has the players to describe objects, ask questions, and remember clues. Players are each given a secret word/picture to wear on their headband. Players can look at other players’ headbands but cannot see their own. Each player must ask questions about their word and give others clues for theirs (e.g. Your word/picture is orange. Is my word/picture a food item?).

Guess Who: this game encourages players to ask questions and group pictures together based on similarities and differences. Players have a board filled with faces (other versions available) and guess which face belongs to their opponent.

Apples to Apples Junior: this game encourages players to use vocabulary, word meanings, synonyms, and categorization. Players are given a stack of cards, each with a different word (person, place, or thing). A descriptive word is then placed in the center of the game and players must choose a card from their stack that best first the description.

Zingo Bingo: this game encourages players to match alike pictures and words to their bingo cards. The Zinger dispenses the tiles and pre-readers/early readers race to grab a tile that matches their card. Be the first player with a full card and yell “ZINGO!”

Seek-a-Boo: this game build’s your child’s vocabulary and memory skills! Players try to remember where the pictures are on the floor.

Storycubes: this game encourages players to build a story by rolling the cubes and telling a story based on what picture the cubes land on.

Modifications to Consider: Sometimes modifications can help our children have fun and ease any frustration.

• Allow for extra time for each turn. Instead of using the sand timer that comes with the game, use your own timer (e.g. stopwatch or smartphone).
• Eliminate timing altogether!
• Change or adjust the vocabulary words. If your child is struggling with the vocabulary, find or choose words that are more suitable for your child.
• Encourage note-taking. Some of the games require strong memory so note-taking can support your child’s memory
• Encourage your child with positive support and comments (Good job! Wow, that was a great question).

Have fun and enjoy these language-based games!!

Written by Registered Speech-Language Pathologist with Wildflowers, Morgan Zenner.