Misconception 1: Definitions do the trick.

Misconception 2: Weekly vocabulary lists are effective.

Misconception 3: Teachers should teach all hard words, especially those printed in bold or italics.

Misconception 4: The study of Latin and Greek roots is too hard for young learners.

Misconception 5: Word learning can’t be fun.

Let’s focus on Misconception #5: Word Learning Can’t Be Fun. Let’s spin that on it’s head and declare: Word Learning Should Be Fun. Now let’s make it fun! Instant fun below. I think this is the right speed for summer learning.

What board games and word games do you and your kids enjoy? Please share!

Fun Board Games that Teach Vocahulary

Tile Lock Scrabble

With Tile Lock Scrabble, your words won’t be slip slidin’ away thanks to the special board’s clever design. There are also soft pads on its bottom that allow you to effortlessly slide the board across a table or rotate it for a better view. And, the compact size of the board (10″ x 10″), tiles and racks, make the game ideal for travel. You can play Scrabble in a car, train, plane or boat with no worries!

Scrabble

After all these years, it’s still hard to get a triple word score, the tiles are still made of wood, and there’s only one “X” in the whole box. The game of Scrabble has sparked feuds and a near-cult following. All the fuss is over a spelling game that hasn’t had an upgrade in 50 years. It takes a little luck and a lot of skill to make high-scoring words out of seven little letters, sometimes with an overabundance of vowels and letters that don’t go together–sometimes there’s Q without U. Two to four players battle it out on the board, and while some players might be proud of impressive words (“I spelled gestalt!”), skilled players know how to use the premium letter and word squares on the 225-square board to their best advantage. This crossword game has strict rules (no names, no slang) and comes with a warning label: “Choose a dictionary first to avoid any ugly word disputes.” –Lynne Sampson

Boggle

Twist & shake, set it and play! The BOGGLE game now comes in a compact case that’s never been easier on the hands, ears or eyes. Just twist and raise the lid, shake the letter cubes in the quiet case, then search for words as the 3-minute timer counts down. The built-in timer changes color, then beeps softly to let you know time’s up. And with no loose parts to worry about, it’s as easy to store and take along as it is to play!Your favorite word search game is now easier to play than ever!

Boggle

Link letters up, down, sideways, and diagonally to form common and not-so-common words. Roll the 16-lettered cubes, line them up in a 4 x 4 grid, and start the timer. Whoever finds and writes down the must un-duplicated words in 3 minutes, wins. Longer, more unusual words earn more points. For 2 or more players.

Balderdash

Balderdash is the classic Adult Party game where bluffing your friends moves you closer to victory! For up to 6 players, with 5 hilarious categories – Weird Words, Peculiar People, Incredible Initials, Marvelous Movies, & Laughable Laws – Balderdash will keep you and your friends laughing for hours! For ages 12 and up.

Bananagrams

The Anagram game that will drive you bananas. The award-winning word game that needs no pencil, paper, or board. Fast and fun. Players race against each other to build crossword grids and use all their letter tiles first. Great for travel.

Electronic Pictionary

Pictionary Man combines Pictionary with Charades to take this classic game to a whole new level of hilarity and fun. Get your electronic clues from Pictionary Man himself, and use fun interactive accessories to help your teammates along. Just look at the bottom of Pictionary Man’s foot to get your private clue. Then it’s up to you to draw them, act them out and get your teammates to guess the right word. For 2 or more teams. Requires 3 “AAA” batteries, not included.

Pictionary Junior

It’s sketch-and-score fun for kids! This version of America’s favorite quick-draw game is designed for kids 7 to 12. Each card has a theme that gives the guessers an instant hint. The words are geared for a younger player’s vocabulary, and the cards feature two levels of play. It’s a great way for kids to enjoy their own game of Pictionary, or to play with the whole family. Check out the fresh cardware. Includes gameboard, timer, 2 playing pieces, 2 pencils, pad of paper, 144 cards (1,440 words), die and rules. For 3 or more players.