Spark!

Spark! Word competition: the UCL Creative Word Challenge 

What is it about?

The developmental group of the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences at UCL is organising a school competition, in which children will learn to think creatively about language by coming up with their own new word.

When reading fiction books, such as Harry Potter, children learn a lot of made-up words like “quidditch” or “muggle”. We want children to think about “What is a word?” so they can create their own one.

What will children learn?

Children will be encouraged to think in a creative way about different aspects of the word, such as their meaning, how it sounds and how it is written. By doing this, children will engage with a concept, pin it down and define it and will learn that words are made up of different parts that are connected (e.g., meaning, sounds). Research shows that this awareness is a predictor of better literacy and vocabulary skills, so it is important to understand these aspects of words.

Children will learn about how words work and can engage with concepts such as the origins of words or connections between a word’s sound and it’s meaning (e.g., “glitter” sounds sparkly).

Who can enter?

The competition is open to pupils in Key Stage 2 (Y3-y6)!

How does it work?

We are planning to launch the competition in Autumn 2026. It will work as follows:

1. Introduction: After a short introduction video shown in class, children will be invited to an in-class, word creation competition.

2. Activity guide: All children who want to take part will receive a fun activity guide to take home, in which they will explore how words are learned and what makes a word unique.

3. Create your own word: Children spend a little time in class filling out the competition entry form. For example, children will get to:

• Write their new word
• Draw or explain what it means
• Show how to say it out loud (for example by writing what it rhymes with)

This competition could also tie in with a themed week at school, for example, the UK National Year of Reading

Competition entries will be judged by UCL researchers. All children get a certificate, and winners will receive a lovely prize for their creativity.