Introduction
There’s a reason why word games have been some of the most popular types of games for more than a hundred years: they’re fun! From crossword puzzles to scrabble to online word games like Last Letter First, word games provide hours of entertainment for players of all ages. Better still, they give your brain a workout, help build vocabulary, and bring families together. Looking for an exciting way to spend time with loved ones? Break out the word games!
Table of Contents
Why Are Word Games Great For Your Brain?
Word games are a go-to choice for players around the world because they’re not only fun, but they’re challenging. Word games combine problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, language skills, and even friendly competition all at the same time.
Cognitive Benefits of Playing Word Games
If the brain is a muscle, think of word games like a workout for your mind. When you play a word game, you are simultaneously improving your cognitive skills, meaning your ability to reason, think in the abstract, learn, and solve problems. Word games keep parts of your brain active that otherwise you may not use as often, and they help keep your mind agile throughout every stage of life, from early childhood all the way through old age. Playing word games consistently can also significantly help improve your ability to concentrate and focus on a task.
Enhancing Memory and Critical Thinking Skills
Playing word games has also been linked to improved memory, strengthening the connections in the brain that perform these important functions. Using your mind to play games with words keeps the brain healthy, continuously improving critical thinking and problem solving skills. Word games require you to come up with different solutions to a puzzle through trial and error, encouraging creativity and perseverance. In the long run, playing word games can prevent the brain from shrinking and atrophying as you age.
Classic Word Games You Must Play
If you’re brand new to word games it’s a good idea to start with the classics! Crossword puzzles are among the earliest forms of modern word games, as are word search puzzles and the game Hangman. If you’d prefer to play board games instead, invite your friends and family to join you for a game of Scrabble or see how fast you can build words in a round of Boggle.
Top Online Word Games for All Ages
Today, the most popular word games are available online, via smartphone, tablet, or desktop web browser. Some of the top online word games include:
Last Letter First
Last Letter First is a free online word game that you can play by yourself or with up to nine other players, for points or just for fun. Playing Last Letter First is simple: the first player enters a word, and then the next player must enter a word that begins with the last letter of the previous word. Playing Last Letter First helps players improve spelling, build vocabulary, and put their problem-solving skills to the test.
Words With Friends
Words with Friends is a free, multiplayer word game in which players use letter tiles to build words on a crossword-style board, earning points for each letter played. Similar to Scrabble, the player with the most points when the letter tiles run out is the winner.
Wordle
Wordle is a free word game that requires players to guess a five-letter word in six tries or less. When a player guesses letters correctly, those letters earn a green color tile. Letters guessed correctly but in the wrong place earn yellow color tiles and letters guessed incorrectly stay gray. A new Wordle puzzle is available every day.
Family-Friendly Word Games
It may be hard to choose a movie or TV show that the entire family can agree on, but choosing a family-friendly word game is easy. Whether your primary goal is learning, fun, or spending quality time together, there is no shortage of entertaining word games to play with family members of all ages.
Engaging Word Games for Family Game Night
Hosting a family game night is a great way for families to enjoy time together, bond, and create shared memories. If you prefer a hands on approach, choose a written word game like Hangman or Mad Libs or reach for a classic board game like Scrabble. If your family tends to reach for their smartphones at night, try playing an online word game like Last Letter First!
Educational Word Games for Kids
There is a lot to be learned from playing word games, especially for kids. Word search puzzles are a great way to keep kids learning and entertained at the same time, and you can encourage kids to play independently or in groups. Last Letter First is a great choice for children of all ages because it caters to all reading, vocabulary, and spelling levels. The came can be as easy or as difficult players choose to make it.
In Summary
Playing word games may be fun, but there are so many more benefits than meet the eye. Word games keep your brain healthy, your memory sharp, and your problem solving skills on point. Word games are an exciting pastime to share with your family and friends, and whether you opt for written word games, board games, or online word games, you’ll never get bored and never play the exact same game twice. Much like the benefits of playing word games, the opportunities for gameplay are endless, and so is the fun.
Download Last Letter First today or play it directly in your web browser.
