5 Outside the Box Spelling Activities for Kids | Increase Vocabulary

This post is sponsored by Zynga, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Looking for spelling activities that will increase your child’s vocabulary?

We are always trying to find fun ways to sneak in vocabulary lessons to our kids. Especially since we are a homeschooling family.

Even our 3 year old is curious about letters and learning to spell new words.

Vocabulary is so important growing up. Learning new words helps kids become better readers and writers. Which, also helps them do better in school and as adults.

5 Spelling Activities to Increase Kids Vocabulary

Make spelling fun for your kids with these spelling activities!

1. Spelling Games

   Games always make learning fun!

   Words with Friends 2 is a family favorite spelling game in our home. Not only because it’s a fun game to play with the kids, but because we can play it with family and friends.

   We have played Words with Friends for years as a way to connect with grandpa who lives in a different state. My kids get the biggest kick out of playing with their grandparents and family members.

   Players take turn spelling out words on a game board. I usually sit with my kids and we will think of different words we can spell together.

   It really gets them brainstorming about what words we can create with the letters. As we play more and more they remember words they can spell and how to spell them.

   My 10 year old son sometimes comes up with better words than I do! 

2. Hands on Spelling

   Find some fun things around the house your kids can spell out words with.

   Small items work well, like mini marshmallows or buttons!

   My three year old and I were spelling out some of her favorite words. She has so much fun building the letters with me and it is actually helping her learn her ABC’s and words! 

3. Spelling Scavenger Hunt

   Take your kids on a walk at the park or around the neighborhood.Have them look for things that start with every letter of the alphabet.

   This helps them increase their vocabulary, be more aware of the things around them, and you can get them a little activity outdoors at the same time.

4. Dictionary Fun

   Have your kids look for words they don’t understand while they are reading or while you read to them.Look up those words in the dictionary together to learn the different meanings.

   Your kids will learn about using a dictionary and will have fun with these vocabulary words because they are in a story they like!

   Practice spelling out these words on a white board or with markers.

5. Word of the Day

   Think of a word for the day and do different activities with it throughout the day. Did you know there is a word of the day each day on Words with Friends?

   My son loves checking Words with Friends each day for the special word.

   First, we try to spell it in our games against family and friends.

   Then, we try to use it in our conversations throughout the day!

Teaching spelling words to your kids can be fun for the whole family. Try out Words with Friends 2 when you are practicing your vocabulary words and see if any of your friends or family members are playing!

What are some of the ways you practice spelling with your kids at home? I would love to hear all about it in the comments below!