Learning grammar can be challenging for kids and adults alike, but it doesn’t have to be a chore! If you or your child is sick of learning grammar through a textbook, check out this list of 10 of our favorite grammar games below.
And the best part? These easy grammar games for kids aren’t just for learning English. You can use these grammar games to practice new languages, whether you or your child is learning Spanish, Italian, or even American Sign Language.
1. In Other Words
Looking for grammar games to expand your child’s vocabulary? Try playing this simple game. Make a statement, then take turns with your child using another word with the same meaning, also known as a synonym. Take turns going back and forth until you run out of synonym ideas. For example:
Mom: “I’m tired.”
Child: “In other words, you’re sleepy.”
Mom: “In other words, I’m drained.”
Child: “In other words, you’re exhausted.”
Mom: “In other words, I’m bushed…” and so on…
This is also a great grammar game for children learning another language. Play this game in Spanish using Spanish vocabulary words to help your child get familiar with new terms.
2. Flyswatter
This grammar game is great with two or more kids. Write vocabulary words on index cards and affix them to a wall or corkboard. Define a word, and let the kids take turns running up to the board and smacking it with a flyswatter. Try to see who can do it the fastest – or let them race for it at the same time.
Just as the game mentioned above, you can play this vocabulary game in Italian – or any other language for that matter! Instead of using English words, simply swap them out for words in other languages. This is a great way to help expand your child’s vocabulary and commit new words to memory.
3. Homophone Spelling Challenge
Homophones are words that are pronounced alike but have different meanings and often different spellings. Common homophones include to, too, and two; there, they’re, and their; weather and whether; plain and plane; and so on. If you’re not careful, it can certainly get confusing! For this interactive grammar game for kids, use a homophone in a sentence and challenge each other to spell it with its correct use. If you’re feeling extra creative, use both homophones in the same sentence.
Dad: “I don’t know whether the weather will be nice enough for baseball.”
Child: “I don’t know whether (child spells W-H-E-T-H-E-R) the weather (child spells W-E-A-T-H-E-R) will be nice enough for baseball.
4. Grammar I-Spy
For those just starting out (or adults revisiting grammar-land), the first step to learning grammar rules is becoming familiar with basic grammatical terms. A fun way to do this is the game I-spy.
Mom: “I spy a plural noun with my little eye (a flock of geese).”>
Child: “Will it fit in my hand? Is it a living thing?”
This easy grammar game for children helps little ones wrap their heads around grammar terms without having to memorize what’s written in their textbooks.
5. Odd One Out
Write out a list of words, with one word being the “odd one out.” For example, all the words are adjectives except for one. Can your child identify the odd one out? Do they know what makes that particular word an odd one out, such as a noun in a sea of verbs? Example: large, dry, jump, tiny, colorful (all adjectives except for jump, which is a verb). This game also comes in handy if you’re teaching Spanish or another language. You might say, “gato, chica, mesa, bonita.” The word bonita (pretty) would be the odd one out because it is an adjective, while all the other words are nouns.
6. Crazy Adverbs
This is one of the best grammar games, and it is a lot of fun for a group of children. Fold up adverbs on slips of paper. Let each child take a turn choosing an adverb, a word that gives you more information about a verb, such as quietly, softly, quickly, etc. Similar to charades, each child then acts out his or her adverb for other players to guess. Examples: spin quickly, march proudly, dance gracefully, stomp loudly, etc.
7. Imaginative Adjectives
Your kids will love this basic grammar game. Describe an object or person using attributive adjectives, adjectives placed immediately before a noun (as opposed to predicative adjectives, those that follow verbs). To begin, create index cards with a random noun: tomato, tree, flower, baseball, pet’s names, etc. Players then draw a card, and describe themselves as the noun, using at least three adjective names. Examples: “Squishy, tasty, shiny tomato.” “Grumpy, odorous, hairy pet cat.”
8. Grammar Songs & Rhymes
Whether creatively made by you and your child or borrowed from friends and online blogs, songs, and rhymes – especially silly ones – help make grammar terms more memorable. Teach catchy songs and phrases to help your child remember grammar rules.
9. Mad Libs
You probably remember playing Mad Libs as a kid, and now you can pass the fun along to kids of your own. Pick up a Mad Libs book, play online, or create your own stories. This easy grammar game for kids involves one player asking the other player for specific parts of speech, such as a verb, noun, or adjective, to fill in the blank spaces in a story. For example, one player may ask for an adjective, and the other player responds with “hairy.” Once the player fills in all the missing spaces, they will read aloud the wacky story made up of the other player’s suggestions. Not only is this a great way to practice grammar, but it can also encourage your child’s storytelling skills and imagination.
10. Grammar Bingo
Every kid knows how to play Bingo, so play this game but with a grammar twist. Design a Bingo board with different parts of speech, such as pronoun, verb, and adjective. Then read aloud an example, such as “run.” Anyone who has “verb” listed on their Bingo board can cover up that box. Do this until someone gets all the boxes in a row and shouts, “Bingo!”
Looking for More Grammar Games?
Check out the many free grammar games online, but don’t overlook the oldies but goodies. Word games such as Scattergories, Outburst, and Scrabble never go out of style! But if your child is still struggling, it might be time to sign up for private grammar lessons with a tutor. Here at TakeLessons, we offer in-person and online lessons, so your child can receive the one-on-one instruction they need to make sense of all things grammar. Sign up with us today!
Photo by woodleywonderworks
Megan L.