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Crossword and word scramble guides
Practical how-tos for making, solving and teaching with crosswords and word scrambles.
- How to make a crossword puzzleStep-by-step guide to making your own crossword puzzle: choosing words, building the grid, numbering squares, writing clues and printing an answer key.
- How to write good crossword cluesPractical rules for writing crossword clues that are fair and fun: definitions, fill-in-the-blank, wordplay and difficulty levels, with good and bad examples.
- Crossword puzzles in the classroomHow teachers use crossword puzzles for vocabulary, spelling, test review and early finishers — with tips for differentiation, digital solving and student-made puzzles.
- Word scramble ideas for classrooms and partiesFresh ideas for word scrambles: spelling and vocabulary worksheets, baby and bridal shower games, holiday jumbles, hints that set the difficulty and how to make one.
- Crossword puzzles for kids: a guide by ageHow to choose or make the right crossword for kids aged 4 to 12: number of words, word length, clue style, word banks and how to help a child solve one.
- How to solve crossword puzzles: tips for beginnersBeginner-friendly crossword solving strategies: where to start, using crossing letters, reading clue signals, plurals and tenses, and when to check your answers.