Turning Exam Prep Into Playtime

If you’ve ever tried getting your child to sit down with a list of words to memorise, you probably know the struggle. Eyes glaze over. Sighs get louder. And suddenly, everything - even tidying their room - seems more appealing than studying.

That’s because our brains aren’t wired to just absorb words in isolation. We learn best when we’re engaged, curious, and having fun.

For exams like SATs and the 11+, kids don’t just need to know words—they need to understand them in context, think fast, and recall them under pressure. Games are perfect for this kind of skill-building because they:

🎮 Make learning feel like an adventure – Kids love challenges, rewards, and friendly competition, which makes them want to keep playing (and learning!).

📚 Improve reading comprehension & verbal reasoning – Many 11+ and SATs questions test whether a child can figure out word meanings from context.

⚡ Sharpen quick-thinking skills – Vocabulary games that work against the clock, help kids process words faster - a huge advantage in timed exams.

🤝 Encourage social learning – Playing word games with family or friends reinforces learning in a fun, pressure-free environment.

The Science Behind Learning Through Play

Research indicates that online learning through games can effectively enhance students' motivation and cognitive skills. A study published in the Journal of Education and Teaching Methods found that game-based learning fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills by creating immersive and interactive learning environments.

The study also identified that factors such as the alignment of game mechanics with learning objectives contributes to the success of game-based learning.

Why? Because games tap into how the brain naturally learns best:

🧠 They trigger emotional connections – We remember things better when they’re linked to a fun or exciting moment.

🕹️ They keep kids engaged – A child racing against a timer to match words is way more invested than one staring at a worksheet.

🔄 They encourage repetition without boredom – Instead of drilling the same words over and over, games naturally reinforce vocabulary as kids play.

Some Fun Vocabulary Games to Try at Home

Want to make vocabulary practice more exciting? Try these easy, fun games:

🎲 The Word Chain Challenge

• How to play: One person says a word, and the next person must say a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word. (Example: Bright → Tall → Lucky → Yellow.)
• Why it works: Builds word connections, reinforces spelling, and encourages quick thinking.

💡 Synonym Speed Rounds

• How to play: Give your child a word (e.g. happy), and they have five seconds to say a synonym (joyful!).
• Why it works: Strengthens vocabulary recall, which is essential for 11+ verbal reasoning.

🧙‍♂️ Wizard’s Duel - (One of our favourites obviously!)

• How to play: Each player gets a ‘spellbook’ (a list of tricky words). They take turns challenging each other by giving a word and asking for a synonym, antonym, or sentence using it.
• Why it works: Reinforces exam vocabulary in a playful, role-playing style.

📖 Story Builder

• How to play: Give your child 3-5 new words and challenge them to write a short story using all of them.
• Why it works: Encourages creativity, helps with sentence structure, and boosts confidence in using new words.

🎮 Online Vocabulary Games

• How to play: Try interactive platforms like The Revision Wizard, which uses adaptive learning, fun challenges and rewards to keep kids engaged.
• Why it works: Tracks progress, gives instant feedback, and makes learning feel rewarding!

Final Thoughts: Making Learning Fun = Better Results

At the end of the day, kids learn best when they’re having fun, whatever the method. Turning vocabulary prep into a game instead of a chore (not those word lists again!) can make a huge difference - not just in their scores, but in their confidence and love of learning.

So next time your child groans about studying for the 11+ or SATs, try swapping the flashcards for a game. You might be surprised at not only how much faster (and happier!) they learn, but at their motivation to go back and play just one more round.

🚀 Ready to make exam prep fun? Try The Revision Wizard’s interactive learning for free! Start your 14-day trial today.