Missing Letters: A Fun, Engaging Word Game
By Meghan Morrissey - December 8, 2025
Missing Letters: A Fun, Engaging Word Game
Word games can be a wonderful way to spark joy, encourage focus, and build confidence for individuals in the early to middle stages of dementia. One of our favorites is Missing Letters—a simple yet stimulating activity that combines reading, problem-solving, and visual association.
What Is Missing Letters?
The goal of the game is straightforward: find the letters missing from a word that’s paired with an image. By connecting pictures with words, participants engage both language and memory, making the activity accessible and rewarding.
You can use letter tiles from Scrabble, Bananagrams, or purchase inexpensive craft-store tiles to bring the game to life.
DIY: Create Your Own Missing Letters Pages
Making your own game pages is easy and customizable:
How to Present the Activity
The way you introduce the game makes all the difference:
Supporting Engagement
Sometimes residents may appear hesitant or unsure. Here are gentle strategies:
Once a page is completed, invite them to choose another theme. Review the images and words together to reinforce confidence and enjoyment. Observe and support—but resist the urge to do it for them. The sense of achievement is part of the magic.
Go Back Word games can be a wonderful way to spark joy, encourage focus, and build confidence for individuals in the early to middle stages of dementia. One of our favorites is Missing Letters—a simple yet stimulating activity that combines reading, problem-solving, and visual association.
What Is Missing Letters?
The goal of the game is straightforward: find the letters missing from a word that’s paired with an image. By connecting pictures with words, participants engage both language and memory, making the activity accessible and rewarding.
You can use letter tiles from Scrabble, Bananagrams, or purchase inexpensive craft-store tiles to bring the game to life.
DIY: Create Your Own Missing Letters Pages
Making your own game pages is easy and customizable:
- Choose a theme: Flowers, Animals, Winter Holidays, or any topic your loved one enjoys.
- Select images: Use photos or clip art that clearly depict items from your theme.
- Add words: Print the images with the associated words (e.g., Flowers: DAISY, TULIP, ROSE, SUNFLOWER).
- Remove letters: Replace a few letters with blank spaces. Increase difficulty by removing more letters.
How to Present the Activity
The way you introduce the game makes all the difference:
- Invite with enthusiasm: “I have something really fun to do, but I need your help!”
- Connect to familiar interests: “You like word searches—this is a word game called Missing Letters!”
- Encourage participation: “Can you find the missing letters for these words?”
Supporting Engagement
Sometimes residents may appear hesitant or unsure. Here are gentle strategies:
- Prompt with a clue: “I’m searching for an M—can you help me find it?”
- Step back: Leave the tiles and words in front of them, then walk away. Giving space allows them time to relax and engage independently.
- Celebrate success: When you return, praise their accomplishments warmly.
Once a page is completed, invite them to choose another theme. Review the images and words together to reinforce confidence and enjoyment. Observe and support—but resist the urge to do it for them. The sense of achievement is part of the magic.
Dementia Levels
