Word Tag: Where the Science of Reading Meets the Fun of Gaming!

Here at Mrs Wordsmith, we don’t just crack jokes and draw funny pictures. Whether we’re developing a video game or creating a phonics book, we’re all about bringing the science of reading to the fore. Because if we’re not helping children learn, we’re simply making them laugh – and while that’s a vital pursuit, we like our laughs best when they’re packed full of learning. That's why we created Word Tag, a vocabulary learning game that's as effective as it is engaging.

Why Word Tag?

Recent data shows that reading scores are dropping across various age groups, and not having a broad vocabulary is a huge reason for that. Because if you don’t know the words you’re seeing, how much sense can the text really make? The Science of Reading tells us that a strong vocabulary is essential for comprehension and overall reading success. While kids can pick up new words naturally, a more systematic approach is needed to ensure they learn the right words, understand them fully, and, most importantly, remember them. What’s more, if a child encounters too many unknown words, their comprehension of the text will be blocked and they will no longer be able to pick up any new words naturally.

Game-First, Pedagogy Always

Word Tag isn't just a learning tool with a few game-like elements tacked on. It's a character-driven action game that's 80% fun and 20% work. We believe that engagement is the key to unlock learning. If kids aren't hooked, the chances of them actually learning something are slim. But it's no good just being fun. That's why we have designed Word Tag around the Science of Reading, ensuring that children will learn and retain as much vocabulary as possible. But don't just take our word for it! An efficacy study showed that children performed 43% better on vocabulary tests after playing Word Tag for just four weeks.

The Magic Behind the Game

So, what makes Word Tag so effective?

• Bite-Sized Learning: Children are introduced to an average of four new words per day. This "little-and-often" approach prevents cognitive overload and makes learning more manageable.
• Multiple Encounters: Each new word is encountered eight times through a series of engaging activities.
• Multiple Mini-Games: From word jumbles that reinforce spelling and pronunciation to synonym quizzes that deepen understanding, our mini-games cover all aspects of word knowledge. That includes how words are used in context, too. We've got 20 different genres to keep things interesting, from detective mysteries to cookbooks to cheesy romances.
• Spaced Repetition: We follow an evidence-based spaced repetition schedule to ensure that newly learned words stick in long-term memory. Frequent repetitions early on, followed by more spread-out reviews later, help ensure words enter long-term memory.
• According to an Algorithm: Word Tag tracks each player's performance and adjusts the difficulty level accordingly. This ensures that children are always challenged but never frustrated.
• Research-Driven Word Curation: Our word selection is based on data from Mrs Wordsmith's Word Engine, which includes words from exams, popular fiction, textbooks, and more.Rewards that Reinforce: Following the science of game-based learning, Word Tag is driven by rewards. Children earn stars, coins, and gear items for completing word activities, creating a virtuous cycle of learning and gameplay.

Ready to Start Playing?

Word Tag isn't just a game; it's a powerful tool for vocabulary development and reading success. By combining the science of reading with the fun of gaming, Word Tag helps children unlock their full potential and become confident, lifelong learners. Click the button below to learn more about Word Tag.