BananagramsBefore a child can spell much
Updated September 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Younger players can explore the letter tiles directly without playing the full racing game. The pouch contains 144 loose letter tiles across all 26 letters of the alphabet, which can be handled outside of any set rules.
The short version
- Sort the 144 tiles by letter or group vowels together.
- Try Appletters for ages 5 and up, adding tiles to the head or tail of a shared word worm.
- Look at Gurms for tile placement based on colors and symbols with no spelling.
- Check Word-a-Melon for a turn-based memory game designed for ages 6 and up.
The classic Bananagrams racing game is designed for ages 7 and up, but the bunch itself is just 144 loose tiles with no board, pencil, or paper. Letters can simply be sorted, matched, or lined up on a table. The set includes 60 vowels (A, E, I, O, and U), which make up 41.7 percent of the total tiles.
Different games on our shelf serve different ages and skill levels. Appletters is designed for ages 5 and up, where 1 to 4 players take turns building a single continuous word worm on the table. Word-a-Melon is built for ages 6 and up, using face-down memory mechanics rather than speed.
Some options on the shelf skip letters entirely. Gurms is made for 2 to 4 players ages 6 and up: players place tiles to complete creatures and score points when colors and symbols line up. The Furglars uses furry dice and gold bullion with no letters at all.
The mistake to avoid
It is tempting to force young children into the standard racing game before they are ready. The racing format requires quick spelling with no turns, but other games like Appletters or Gurms use turn-taking or remove spelling completely.
Questions that keep coming up
How many tiles are in a standard bunch?
The bunch holds 144 tiles, containing all 26 letters of the alphabet with no blanks.
Which games are designed for children under age 7?
Appletters is designed for ages 5 and up, while Gurms and Word-a-Melon are designed for ages 6 and up.
Are there games on the shelf that do not require any spelling?
Yes. Gurms, The Furglars, and Spiky Dastards involve no spelling at all.