Crosswords for Teachers

Crosswords, Wordsearches and Crossnumbers

Crosswords and wordsearches are ideal at presenting work in a way that does not really feel like "proper work" to pupils of most ages and abilities. These puzzles can be very versatile and help to vary presentation and motivate pupils. Within IT/computing, I tend to use them to reinforce vocabulary and technical definitions. I have also used them at secondary level for informal class tests and they can also make suitable assessment tasks in a primary setting. They are a useful way of helping dyslexic students to learn their weekly word lists.

Pupils can be asked to create their own puzzles. Producing crosswords and in particular, creating their own clues, can be especially beneficial, whether the emphasis is on general language skills, or subject specific content.

They can be used as an alternative vehicle for delivering cloze exercises, where each clue comprises a sentence with a word missing. They can be used to produce homework and revision sheets and those ever-valuable end of term activities. Crossnumbers are useful for practicing tables, mental arithmetic and the use of a calculator.

Suggested Activities

Activity: Teacher prepared crossword
Use: To reinforce definitions, simple facts, vocabulary. Can be administered under test conditions as an assessment.

Alternatives:
Wordsearch with clues. Student must find each word and pair it with the corresponding clue.
Wordsearch only. Student must write a definition/explanation for each word that they find in the grid.

Activity: Student prepared crossword
Use: To reinforce definitions, simple facts and vocabulary, for language development. Once checked, students can swap them.

Alternatives:
Teacher prepares a library of words and clues which the student selects from. Good for students with weaker language.
Teacher gives out a list of words to be used, or prepares a library containing words but no clues. Student then has to devise appropriate clues.
Students each take an area of study and create a crossword or wordsearch. They then swap these amongst themselves. A good revision exercise.

Activity: Student prepared wordsearch
Use: To reinforce vocabulary. Students swap with a peer and complete. They mark each others' work.

Alternatives:
Puzzle can be completed against the clock.

Use Across the Curriculum

Modern Foreign Languages: Reinforcement of vocabulary.

English Literature: Revise the characters, places and events in books/plays being studied.

Science, Geography, Music, Business Studies, etc.: Reinforcement of technical vocabulary and definitions.

ICT: Excellent again for technical vocabulary and definitions.

Mathematics: Practice tables, mental arithmetic and use of a calculator.

History: Reinforce facts about key events and personalities in history. Crossnumbers for learning key dates.

Crosswords for Teachers

Crosswords for Teachers puzzles can be exported in RTF format, which allows them to be loaded into other Windows programs, such as word processors or desk top publishers. This means that puzzles can be included within, for example, Word documents, for easy incorporation into newsletters and pamphlets. It also allows wider font choice and complete control over puzzle formatting.

Comments from Users

Software: Crosswords for Teachers