In this edition of our Local Creators Spotlight, we’re thrilled to feature Yeoh Xiao Yun, educator, mum of four, and the creative mind behind The Magical Spell, a wordplay card game designed to help children practise spelling through the magic of play.
We caught up with Xiao Yun to learn about the heart behind her game, how it came to life, and why play-based learning is so much more than just fun.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Who is the woman behind The Magical Spell?
I’m a mom to four amazing kids, all of whom have dyslexia to varying degrees. I was working in advertising sales and only began my journey into education when my eldest son missed some key developmental milestones.
Seeing him struggle ignited my passion for literacy education. In my search to help him speak, read, and write, I discovered learning methods that could benefit all children — though they’re often reserved as a last resort for those with dyslexia. I became trained in the Multisensory Teaching Approach and certified in Phonics and Phonetics, which gave me a solid foundation to deliver effective phonics instruction.
I also hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education, along with qualifications in Learning Disorder Management and Child Psychology. These have allowed me to address my children’s unique learning needs and better understand how children with different abilities process information.
While working as a homeroom teacher at an international school, I tested these methods with all my students. To my surprise, they worked just as well for typical learners as they did for those with learning difficulties. Over the last 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping over 200 children — both neurotypical and neurodivergent — using these techniques.
2. What is The Magical Spell and who is it for?
The Magical Spell is for everyone! It’s a fun and interactive card game designed to help children practise spelling while creating meaningful bonding opportunities for parents and kids. In today’s busy lifestyles, it helps reduce unhealthy screen time and brings families back together during those precious moments we all treasure.
3) What was the inspiration for The Magical Spell? When did you first dream it up, and how did you go about creating it?
I wanted to create a spelling game my kids would actually enjoy, since they wouldn’t play Scrabble with me. Around Chinese New Year, Su Wei, my business partner noticed how much kids loved playing card games at family gatherings. She messaged me with the idea for a spelling card game, saying, “Think of it like rummy — whoever finishes their cards first wins.”
That’s when the idea really took off. I decided to develop it further by adding characters and magical elements to make it more engaging. That’s how The Magical Spell was born — a game that makes word play fun, interactive, and something kids want to play again and again.
4) What was the most challenging part of the creation process?
Balancing my personal preferences with what would appeal to a wider audience. For example, I love pastel colours, but during test plays and focus groups with kids, they told me the colours felt dull. Their feedback helped me rethink the design.
5) Share some learning experiences from testing the prototype, and how the final product reflects those lessons.
The mechanics of the first prototype were solid, but the cards lacked a magical and professional touch. With feedback from Rachel (The Nurts founder) and lots of discussion with my business partner, designer, and illustrator, we went through several rounds of trial and error. These tweaks helped us create the right feel and brought the characters to life, making the game far more engaging for kids.
6) Why should parents get The Magical Spell for their kids?
Because it combines fun with learning. Kids practise spelling without even realising it, and it creates parent–child bonding time. If I ask my children to pick a book and read, I get drooping heads and a reluctant “okay…” But if I say, “Let’s play The Magical Spell,” they perk up with a resounding “YES!”
In my test sessions, 80% of the children — including my own — actively worked to form new words just to win. And for busy parents, it’s the perfect short activity to add a touch of magic to their child’s literacy journey before bedtime.
7) Why did you choose to join The Nurt’s Creator Programme?
We partnered with The Nurts because their mission aligns with ours. Rachel is also a seasoned card game creator, and she provided valuable insights that made the process smoother.
8) How has the Creator Programme helped in getting The Magical Spell to market?
The Creator Programme took care of marketing and distribution, allowing us to stay involved without having to manage everything ourselves. It’s been a great learning experience.
9. What advice do you have for creators with a dream of making a tool that improves people’s lives?
I highly recommend working with The Nurts. I’ve already shared my experience with a classmate who’s thinking about launching his own board game.
10. Why do you passionately believe in the power of play-based learning as a superior way to learn?
Play removes the pressure of having to achieve a specific result. Without stress or expectations, children can focus on having fun and discovering new things. This is how we naturally learn — by making mistakes and growing from them. Play-based learning nurtures growth and inspires a love for lifelong learning in both children and adults.
