Before you can play a spelling game, you must have a list of vocabulary words to learn. Do not try to teach children the words in the game because this can be difficult and confusing for everyone. Instead, spend a few minutes going over a spelling list, allowing the kids to write down the list and ask any questions about spelling or pronunciation. Make sure they understand the definition of the word and how it differs from similar words. Each student should have a list of words to study on her own.
One game requires writing out the letters of the alphabet on 26 paper plates, with one letter per plate. Place the paper plates out on the ground in order, and line up the kids. Starting with the first child, give each student a word. The child must run to each letter and stomp to spell the word. If any student is stuck, she can look for help from her classmates; however, the class is not allowed to talk. They can only gesture.
Another spelling game lets kids play a low-key game of baseball. In the classroom, make a makeshift baseball diamond with a home plate, first base, second base and third base. If able, try this outside on a real baseball diamond for more fun. Divide the class into two teams. The first team selects a pitcher who will give spelling words and the second team selects a batter who must try to spell the word. If the batter spells it correctly, he moves to first base. If he misses it, the team has one out. The next player then comes up and tries to spell another word. Play until there are three outs, then switch sides and let the second team give the spelling words. This is a great game for spelling because both teams will actively learn the spelling words at every bat.
Try a spelling game by writing all the spelling words on the board. After you teach the words, have the kids all put their heads down at their desks and close their eyes. Change one word's spelling, tense or number, and then have the kids look and guess which word was changed. Call on one student for the answer; if she gets it correct, the class gets a point. If she gets it wrong, the teacher gets a point.