Hangman is a classic word-guessing game that promotes spelling, vocabulary, and reasoning skills through playful, low-pressure challenges. This digital version has been thoughtfully adapted for educational use in UK classrooms and homes. With a clean interface, British English audio, and layered support for different abilities, it provides a fun and flexible way for learners to practise phonics, spelling patterns, and word meanings.
This app builds on the traditional hangman format by adding accessibility, vocabulary support, and classroom-appropriate safeguards, making it suitable for use by educators, parents, and learners alike.
Intro/start screen with a single “Start Game” action → Enables quick onboarding for independent use in classrooms or at home.
New game controls available at all times, including from the definition pop-up → Allows for seamless game resets without breaking learning flow.
Clear endgame messaging with win/loss announcements and full-word reveal → Provides closure and ensures the word is always learned, even after an incorrect guess.
Three difficulty levels (Easy, Medium, Hard), selectable via the “Level” tri-state toggle button → Supports a wide range of learners, from early readers to confident spellers.
Multiple input styles:
On-screen A–Z keyboard for letter-by-letter play
Whole-word guessing via a text box with “Submit” button and Enter-key support → Encourages both decoding and prediction, catering to different learning preferences and abilities.
Visual hangman progression with a hand-drawn style → Boosts motivation through clear, game-like cues.
Immediate visual feedback on letter choices, with distinct styling and animations → Reinforces correct/incorrect guesses and discourages repeated errors.
Audio feedback throughout gameplay, including spoken confirmation of right or wrong guesses → Strengthens memory and engagement through dual coding (visual + auditory), particularly helpful for emerging readers and some SEND pupils.
British English voice using standard UK letter names (including “zed”) → Aligns with phonics teaching in UK classrooms and avoids confusion with US pronunciations.
Definition lookup for the completed word, shown in a pop-up window (Note: Dictionary is US English) → Transforms each round into a vocabulary-building opportunity. Note: Some words may not be available for definition. You can copy and paste them into a browser for more information. You can also paste any word from the definition into a browser to learn more.
Read-aloud definitions with a dedicated control → Supports learners who struggle with reading or pronunciation, enhancing understanding and oral language skills.
Automatic stopping of speech when the definition pop-up is closed → Maintains a quiet and manageable audio environment, especially valuable in shared or classroom settings.
Clean-language safeguard for whole-word guessing → Filters inappropriate input and supports safe use in school environments.
Leetspeak/character substitution normalisation (e.g., “0” → “o”) → Helps prevent attempts to bypass language checks using number-letter replacements.
Mobile-friendly layout and scrolling behaviour → Enables reliable use on tablets and phones, with scrollable keyboard and definition pop-up areas that don’t disrupt gameplay.
Touch-screen support via the on-screen keyboard → Accommodates learners who prefer tapping over typing, improving accessibility for younger users or those with motor difficulties.
This app is particularly well suited for:
This Hangman app takes a familiar, enjoyable game and enhances it with educational value, accessibility, and safeguarding features. Its multi-sensory feedback, vocabulary support, and flexible settings make it an effective tool for spelling and language development across a range of abilities.
Designed with both classroom and home use in mind, the app is quick to start, easy to navigate, and engaging to play. Making it a practical and purposeful addition to any literacy toolkit.
Note: This app is in development; features and access may change: