According to Steven Stahl (2005), “Vocabulary knowledge is knowledge; the knowledge of a word not only implies a definition but also implies how that word fits into the world.”

Words are powerful. They open up possibilities for success. Isn’t that what we want for all of our children?

Importance of Vocabulary

The importance of vocabulary development cannot be overestimated. A rich vocabulary improves all areas of communication — speaking, listening, writing, and reading and provides your child with the following benefits.

• Improved Reading Comprehension: Research shows that children need to understand 98% of the words they read to develop reading habit. Enhanced vocabulary skills help children understand their novels and textbooks better.

• Better Language Development: Children with improved vocabulary skills are likely to express themselves better, read more, and think deep. Improving their literacy and language skills early in life helps them become a better communicator and academic success.

• Effective Communicating Skills: An increased vocabulary makes your child a successful communicator. They can say exactly what they mean by using the right words when talking.

• Better at Expressing Ideas in Writing: A rich vocabulary can help your child write and express their ideas more effectively.

• Professional Success: According to Researcher Johnson O’Connor, “a person’s vocabulary level is the best single predictor of occupational success.” Having a good vocabulary improves communication skills, enhancing your child’s chances to be a professional success in the future.

How GBL Improves Vocabulary?

Vocabulary is the easiest to learn as a child. Once the child develops this skill, it can help them succeed in life, and that’s the greatest gift a parent can gift to a child. Giving this gift is inexpensive and doesn’t need you to have specialized training or follow an expensive curriculum; it can be easily delivered to your child without any extraordinary effort through game-based learning (GBL). This technique is an exciting way to build vocabulary in children.

Through game-based learning, children can improve their vocabulary almost unconsciously, without being tutored or feeling any sense of being forced into hours of practice. Game-based learning involves games with rules, a goal and an element of fun. Some of the benefits of using game-based learning to teach vocabulary to your child are:

• Your child won’t feel bored or stressed as learning happens in a carefree yet challenging environment.

• These games are designed to entertain, teach and promote fluency of language.

6 Games That Improve Vocabulary

1. Taboo Words

Taboo Words is an exciting game that improves vocabulary in children. It keeps the players on the edge of their seats as they try to guess the word on the card without using the taboo words given as clues on the card. The players race against time to get creative while carefully wording the clues so that the team players can guess the words fast.

2. Flashcard Memory Match Game

This game is excellent for children to memorize words. The child has to match the words to the definitions. When trying to remember where the words and meanings are, the game forces the child to think about the vocabulary more than usual.

3. Vocabulary Pictionary

Pictionary Vocabulary Game is an excellent game that improves vocabulary. The game works great for visual learners.  The player has to describe the word with the help of a drawing, and the team has to guess the word.

4. Chalkboard Acronym

This is a simple game, where you can write a word vertically on the board or a paper. Ask your child to write a new word starting with each letter of the vertical word.

For example:

Cute

Aim

Pure

5. Heads Up on iPad

Heads Up is a game similar to word charades. In this game, the participant must guess which word the other player is describing. The word is prompted on the phone, and the player gets 60 seconds to guess the word using the clues given to them by the other participants.

6. Letter Scramble

Letter Scramble is a word-making game that improves vocabulary. Letter Scramble allows your child to create as many English words as fast as they can. The longer the words, the more the points.