Word Game Family Tournament
Host a tournament of classic word games — Scrabble, Boggle, Hangman, and word chain — rotating games each round for a full evening of vocabulary fun.
What You'll Need
- 1Scrabble or Bananagrams (or letter tiles)
- 2Paper and pencils for Hangman and scoring
- 3Timer
- 4Silly trophy materials (paper plate, markers)
What You'll Need
Scrabble, Bananagrams, or letter tiles
Paper and pencils for Hangman and scoring
Timer
Silly trophy materials (paper plate, markers)
How to Play
Choose 4 word games for the tournament.
Set up a scoring sheet.
Round 1 — Hangman: 1 point per correct guess.
Round 2 — Word Chain: last standing gets 3 points.
Round 3 — Boggle: 3-minute timer, 1 point per word.
Round 4 — Scrabble/Bananagrams: 20-minute round.
Tally total points.
Crown the champion with a silly trophy.
Tips
Word games are vocabulary practice that doesn't feel like practice. When your child debates whether "qi" is a valid Scrabble word, they're learning spelling, vocabulary, and strategic thinking simultaneously.
The tournament format adds excitement and motivation. Kids who might not sit through 45 minutes of Scrabble will eagerly play 15 minutes knowing there are three more rounds coming.
Word Chain is the simplest game but builds rapid word retrieval — the ability to access vocabulary quickly, which supports both writing and speaking fluency.
Adjust difficulty by age: give younger players extra time in Boggle, allow proper nouns in Word Chain, or use a smaller Scrabble board.
Make it a monthly tradition. The championship title becomes coveted, and vocabulary skills grow noticeably over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 60 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: scrabble or bananagrams (or letter tiles), paper and pencils for hangman and scoring, timer, silly trophy materials (paper plate, markers).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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