Make 5th Grade Vocabulary Fun

Help make learning 5th grade vocabulary words fun with word and language games!

Words are serious business in 5th grade. Students are reading denser material with greater independence than in previous grades, as well as learning to use language in research reports and essays. The 5th grade vocabulary spectrum can be overwhelming, so to keep words playful, introduce your child to a variety of board games and puzzles. This will prevent the long lists of 5th grade vocabulary words they are seeing in school from becoming too daunting and will encourage a sustained love of reading and writing. From the classics to the up-to-the-second online, here are some options for 5th grade vocabulary games:

• 5th Grade Vocabulary: The Old Standby
  Over 60 years old and still hard to top, Scrabble is a perfect fit for your 5th grade vocabulary learner. Whether you dig out your old board or log on to the Internet Scrabble Club, this classic game is good for hours of fun and increased word knowledge. If you’re Facebook-friendly, you can also play Lexulous, a Scrabble-like application for the social networking site.

• 5th Grade Vocabulary: Game Your Way to Vocab Success
  If your kids spend more time in front of their PSP than their 5th grade vocabulary lists, you can sneak some learning into their fun with word videogames. My Word Coach for Nintendo DS and Wii contains a multitude of games (tetris, word-scrambles, etc.) that can be set at your child’s precise learning level.

• 5th Grade Vocabulary: DIY Language-Learning
  Of course, you don’t need much more than a scrap of paper and a pencil to fashion your own 5th grade vocabulary games. At a casual lunch around the kitchen table, sketch out a quick game of Hangman using vocab words they’re learning in school. Or take a little more time and make your own vocabulary flashcards. Be creative! Some kids learn visually, and will remember the definition of “acute” more handily if the flashcard is decorated with “cute” flowers and animals.