How to Use Wordle in Your Homeschool

If you spend time online, you’ve probably come across Wordle, the simple daily word puzzle that took the internet by storm. At first glance, it may just look like a fun distraction, but Wordle can actually be a powerful (and free!) learning tool for your homeschool.

In this post, we’ll explore different ways to bring Wordle into your homeschool routine to build vocabulary, spelling skills, critical thinking, and even family connection.

What Is Wordle?

Wordle is a word puzzle game where players try to guess a five-letter word in six attempts. After each guess, letters turn colors to show if they’re in the word and in the right place (green), in the word but in the wrong spot (yellow), or not in the word at all (gray). It’s quick, challenging, and satisfying.

Ways to Incorporate Wordle into Your Homeschool

1. Morning Warm-Up

Start the day with the daily Wordle as a “brain stretch.” It gets kids thinking, wakes up their problem-solving skills, and eases into learning.

2. Vocabulary Journal

Each time your family plays, have your child add the word of the day to a journal. They can write the definition, use it in a sentence, or even draw a quick sketch to represent the meaning. You could also do a lot of these activities orally!

3. Spelling & Phonics Connections

Younger learners can practice sounding out their guesses or noticing patterns (like how many words end with -ight). Older learners can discuss word roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

4. Math & Probability Tie-Ins

Wordle isn’t just language-based, it’s logic-based. Talk about probability: How many possible words are left after the first guess? Kids can chart their guesses to see patterns in letter frequency.

5. Create Your Own Wordle

Use tools like Wordle Maker from The Word Finder to make custom puzzles. They can be any length you want! You (or your kids!) can create Wordles for their spelling list, science terms, or history vocabulary, and then challenge each other.

6. Family Competition

Play together each morning or take turns leading. Kids love to see if they can beat their parents or siblings. It turns learning into a shared game instead of a solo task.

7. Handwriting Practice

If you play the printable version (available below) your student gets the benefit of handwriting practice! You could also have a student keep a “wordle journal” (yay for rhymes) and write down the daily word “to keep track” of it.

Variations for Different Ages

• Early Elementary: Use “Wordle Jr.” style puzzles with three- or four-letter words. You can use custom ones to practice phonics concepts.
• Upper Elementary: Focus on vocabulary, word patterns, and logic.
• Middle & High School: Incorporate custom Wordles for subject-area content or encourage more analysis of strategy.

RHL Printable Version for Free!

I’ve made a printable “word guessing” game you can also use. There is a few different versions including a 5 letter, 4, letter, and 3 letter word edition! To get you started with the five letter words, I’ve also included some lists of words.

Final Thoughts

Wordle may only take a few minutes each day, but when used intentionally, it can spark curiosity, strengthen literacy skills, and create fun family learning traditions. The best part? It’s free, simple, and flexible, perfect for homeschoolers looking to add a little joy to the day.

So next time you open Wordle, don’t feel guilty, it’s schoolwork!