Crosswords

There is quite a bit of research showing that crosswords can be an effective teaching tool (see list of references for some examples). Crossword puzzles enhance vocabulary and spelling by requiring precise letter placement to match clues, which reinforces word retention and definition. They encourage active learning and allow for repeated exposure to new words, strengthening spelling accuracy and comprehension through engaging, contextual practice. 

You can use crossword puzzles in two ways:

• You can build the crosswords and provide the definitions. I would recommend that you use a crossword generator – preferably one that generates a printable worksheet.
  • https://www.printablecrosswordmaker.com/crossword_maker/crossword_maker.jsp
  • https://www.education.com/worksheet-generator/reading/crossword-puzzle
  • https://crosswordlabs.com/
  • https://www.canva.com/crossword-maker/
• You can have students design the crosswords which they can then swap with other students. In this scenario, do not allow students to use a crossword creator. Instead, provide them with appropriately sized squared paper. This method requires students to think about how the word is spelled to ensure the correct number of squares are outlined. They then need to provide an appropriate definition.

Different Uses of Crosswords

• Reinforcement of spelling of words that students are currently learning.
• Reinforcement of definition of vocabulary that students are currently learning.
• Practising grammatical concepts and/or spelling rules (e.g., the definition could be “the past tense of sleep” or “past tense of shop”).
• Provide the clue as a cloze (e.g., The _____ boy won the sprinting event.).
• Give students the completed crossword and they have to provide the clues.
• Give the clues as antonyms or synonyms.
• Provide the clues as a literal definition of the morphemes in the word (e.g., retractable – can be pulled again).
• Use the crossword as a comprehension activity after reading some text. Think of where, when, which, what, who questions. It’s not really going to work with how or why questions.
• Use words that contain the grapheme or phoneme that is currently being taught.
• Try presenting a crossword puzzle as a speed challenge. Give students a set amount of time. At the end of that time, as a group, go through the answers and have students fill in any missing words. On several other occasions, you can give students the exact same crossword and see if they can complete more of the crossword in the same time period.

References

Kahar, A. (2022). Improving English vocabulary mastery by using crossword puzzle in elementary class . Uniqbu Journal of Social Sciences, 3(2), 96–102. https://doi.org/10.47323/ujss.v3i2.225

Orawiwatnakul, W. (2013). Crossword puzzles as a learning tool for vocabulary development. Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology, 11(2), 413-428. ISSN: 1696-2095. 2013, no. 30 – 413 –http://dx.doi.org/10.14204/ejrep.30.12186 https://scispace.com/pdf/crossword-puzzles-as-a-learning-tool-for-vocabulary-54ip9cjok3.pdf