Believe it or not, there’s so much more to word games than just fun and games. Word games are powerful tools that positively impact the brain in a number of ways. Playing word games stimulates the mind, improves problem-solving skills, and helps encourage language acquisition. Whether you prefer to play independently or with friends, consistently engaging in word games will deliver plenty of excellent benefits over time.
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Why and How Word Games Were Created
The origin of word games can be traced as far as the beginning of the written word itself. Long before the term “word game” was coined, the word “puzzle” was developed within the English language, though it was not until the 1800s that a puzzle meant a toy, game, or riddle.
Among the earliest known word games were “word squares,” the predecessor to crossword puzzles. Crossword puzzles were invented at the end of the 19th century, but they did not become a popular pastime until the beginning of the 20th century. As time passed, more and more new word games began to emerge. These word games, like hangman, word searches, crossword puzzles, and, later, Mad Lids, called for pen and paper. Around the same time, Scrabble made its debut as one of the first board games that also happened to be a word game.
Word games were born and have withstood the test of time because they are equal parts fun and challenging. People of all ages can enjoy them, and they help foster both analytical and problem-solving skills while simultaneously strengthening vocabulary.
Some people are drawn to the competitive nature of word games, whether that competition is against other players or trying to top a personal high score. For many people, word games serve as a way to spend quality time with family and friends, which only further explains why they’ve become so beloved.
Neuroscience Insights: What Happens to the Brain During Word Games
If asked what happens in your brain while you play word games, “having fun” might be your go-to answer. And while that’s definitely true, the real answer is much more complex and exciting.
Cognitive Benefits: How Do Word Games Stimulate Your Mind?
The brain is a like muscle, playing word games is the equivalent of taking your mind to the gym. Playing word games stimulates cognitive function, improving your ability to reason, learn, solve problems, and learn in the abstract. Word games keep your mind engaged in ways that you may not use your brain otherwise throughout your day. An added bonus is that playing word games can increase your concentration and ability to focus on a particular task.
A Workout For Your Brain: Boosting Brain Function Through Play
Just like any other muscle, the more often you use it the stronger it gets. There are links between playing word games and improved memory, as the practice of consistent play helps strengthen the connections in the brain responsible for memorization. Playing word games regularly helps keep your mind agile, which is essential during every stage of life, from early childhood through adulthood and beyond. Playing word games prevents atrophy of the brain as you age.
Problem Solving Skills: Word Games Can Enhance Creativity & Critical Thinking
Word games are an excellent way to build and improve problem solving skills. Playing word games requires you to come up with creative solutions to a puzzle, using the process of trial and error to find the right answer. Using critical thinking skills to solve problems can also result in a natural release of dopamine, giving you a little mood boost and sense of satisfaction.
Word Games Can Enhance Vocabulary and Cognitive Skills
Playing word games daily is a surefire way to enhance both vocabulary and cognitive skills. Fortunately, some of the best and most popular word games are free to play on a smartphone or desktop computer.
Last Letter First
Last Letter First is a free online word game that you can play independently or with friends and family, for points or just for fun. The game is easy to play, but the possibilities are endless. Last Letter First helps build problem-solving skills while improving spelling and vocabulary.
Words With Friends
Words With Friends is a free, multiplayer word game similar to the classic Scrabble board game. Players must use letter tiles on a crossword-style board to build words, earning points for each letter played. The game ends when there are no more letter tiles left, and the player with the highest score wins.
Wordle
Wordle is a free word game in which players must guess a random five-letter word in six guesses or less. A correctly guessed letter earns a green color a tile, a correctly guessed letter in the wrong place earns a yellow letter tile, and an incorrectly guessed letter remains gray. A new World puzzle is available each day.
In Summary
The science behind word games reveals that there’s a lot more to playing than simply having fun. Playing word games has a profound impact on language acquisition and can help enhance creativity, cognitive, and critical thinking skills.
Last Letter First is a free-to-play and easy-to-learn word game designed for players of all ages to help build vocabulary and strengthen the mind. Play on your own or with friends, for points or just for fun– all that matters is you pick up your smartphone or computer and start giving your brain the workout it deserves.
Download Last Letter First or play it directly in your web browser today!
