Bump Spelling with x Game – X Words for Kids

Are you working on spelling with x? We have a fun winter spelling game that will help kindergarten and first grade students work on x words for kids. Simply print the free printable bump spelling game to master words that start with x for kids.

Spelling with x

Teaching the letter X can be a unique challenge. While many kids eagerly shout, “X is for xylophone!” it’s not the most practical place to start. According to the Science of Reading, the best approach is to focus on the letter’s most common sound first. For X, that’s the /ks/ sound found in words like six, fix, and box.

These straightforward examples help kids grasp the basics and build confidence before introducing more unusual patterns, like the /z/ sound in xylophone. To make mastering the /ks/ sound fun and engaging, we’ve created an exciting game that brings the letter X to life

Plus don’t miss reading letter x words for kids activity, fun phonics activities, and free language arts worksheets!

x words for kids

Did you know that the letter X has ancient origins? It traces back to the Phoenician alphabet, where it was represented as samekh. The Greeks adopted it as xi, and the Romans kept its shape and sound when they integrated it into the Latin alphabet.

The letter X is unique because it doesn’t just stick to one sound. It can represent the /ks/ sound (box, six), and sometimes even a /z/ sound (xylophone, xenophile). For this game, though, we’re focusing on its most common pronunciation—/ks/.

How to Play the Letter X Ten Frame Game

This game is an engaging way to practice words with the letter X while reinforcing spelling, reading, and writing skills! Here’s how to play:

What You’ll Need:

• A six-sided die
• A laminated game board with ten frames
• Two different colored dry-erase markers (one for each player)

Game Instructions:

• Roll the Die and Take Turns: Each player rolls the die to begin their turn.
• Write the Word: Match the number on the die to the corresponding word on the word list. Write the word inside one section of the ten frame.
• Erase the Word: If you roll the same number again, erase the word and write it again.
• Circle and Secure the Word: If you roll the same number a third time, circle the word to secure it as yours! Once circled, that word and its frame are locked and cannot be claimed by the other player.
• Knock Out or Do Nothing: If your opponent has written the word but not circled it, you can erase their writing and claim the frame by writing the word yourself. If the word has already been circled, your turn ends with no action.

Winning the Game:

Keep playing until all ten frames are secured, or set a timer. The player who secures the most ten frames wins!

This game is not only fun but also builds confidence in spelling and recognizing the /ks/ sound in words with X. Get ready to roll the dice and master the letter X!

Words that start with x for kids

While it might be a bit tricky, there are some exciting terms that are not only unique but also perfect for expanding our vocabulary. Here’s a list of 25 wonderful words that begin with the ever-elusive letter X, tailored especially for kids!

• X-ray – The special kind of light that helps doctors see inside our bodies!
• Xylophone – A colorful musical instrument made of wooden bars!
• Xenon – A cool gas used in some bright lights, like those in movies!
• X-axis – The horizontal line in graphs that helps us understand data!
• Xerox – A brand name that we often use for making copies of documents!
• Xenophobia – A big word that means fear of people from different countries!
• Xeriscape – A type of garden that saves water by using plants well-suited to dry climates!
• Xmas – A fun abbreviation for Christmas, the holiday full of joy and gifts!
• X-pen – A portable playpen for keeping pets or little ones safe!
• Xerophyte – A plant that thrives in very dry conditions, like a cactus!
• Xenolith – A rock fragment that’s been carried into a different rock!
• Xylography – An art form that involves carving designs into wood!
• Xenon lamp – A bright light used in spotlights and photography!
• Xylo – A prefix that means wood, used in many scientific terms!
• Xenogeneic – A fancy word for something from a different species!
• Xylophonist – A musician who plays the xylophone!
• Xerophile – Another name for a plant that loves dry places!
• Xiphoid – A term that refers to the sword-shaped tip of our chest bone!
• X-factor – A special quality that makes something stand out!
• X-treme – A fun way to describe something that’s extreme or exciting!
• Xenon flash – A type of flash used in cameras to take bright pictures!
• X-ray diffraction – A complex term used to study materials at a microscopic level!
• X-linked – A scientific term describing traits passed along the X chromosome!
• Xystus – A covered walkway in ancient Roman gardens, perfect for strolls!
• Xenopathic – A word that relates to diseases from other species!