CROSSWORDS
Did you know these puzzles can use words, pictures, numbers and other languages? Try making one of your own.
1
LIST
Make a list of words for your crossword puzzle. Now’s the time to brainstorm with ideas. You may not use all the words. Some people like to do themes. Examples of themes are zoo animals, fruit, or sports.
2
GRID
Set the words in the grid in a way that maximizes the letters overlapping. Place the longest words first. Use a pencil so you can try different locations. If the answer is two words, eliminate the space, “HOME RUN” is shown as “HOMERUN.”
3
CLUE
Number each word location in the upper corner of the first letter of the word.
Write a clue or draw a picture that represents the word. For instance, you could draw a heart to represent the word “LOVE.”
4
FINALIZE
Fill in unused squares or draw a dark outline around the word box area to show where words are located. Tape your puzzle on a window. Overlay a new sheet over paper and trace over your crossword puzzle to get a version that does not have the answers.
5
PLAY!
Share what you've created!
Challenge your family & friends to solve your crossword puzzle.
With a grownup's permission, send a photo of your artwork to us and we'll post it in our gallery.
exampleS
RESOURCES
There are lots of crossword puzzles online of varying levels. For some, doing the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle is a weekly ritual!
Check out the YouTube video of David Kwan, the New York Times crossword constructor, creating a crossword puzzle.
You can find crossword puzzle books at your library or bookstore and puzzles online.
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Dive deeper into crosswords with Wikipedia
My Ideas
