Crossword puzzles are not just played by individuals or families who are up for a challenge. They are also used by teachers who have acknowledged the possibilities these puzzles offer. The Internet, which already provides online versions of the game as well as programs that allow you to make your own has even made it easier for teachers to use crosswords as learning tools for students.

The Value of Crosswords for Learning

– Calls for the use of mental development skills.

Solving a crossword will ask for a student to use several skills that will hone his mental development and these include spelling, logic, vocabulary and analysis. He will only be able to solve this type of puzzle if he recognizes and comprehends the terms used in the clues. In doing this, he will be able to gain some fresh vocabulary. He will also be able to know the difference between phrases and words that may have similar meaning.

To finish a crossword puzzle, a student will also need to know precise spelling. Thus means that they would need to practice on their dictionary skills if they want to solve the game. Other relevant and essential skills needed in completing crosswords also include assessing choices, making interpretations and coming up at conclusions.

– Appeals to varied styles of learning.

Auditory, visual and even kinesthetic learners enjoy the challenge of solving or completing crossword puzzles. This kind of game appeals to the auditory learners because of their love for working in sequence and their step-by-step logic. Visual learners, meanwhile, are greatly fulfilled when they are able to solve crosswords because of their strong skills in solving puzzles. The multi-tasking strategies of completing a crossword are what attract kinesthetic learners to this game.

– Are seen as recreational games.

Solving puzzles are seen as a form of recreation. As a result, students see them as less nerve-wracking when they are used in a classroom setting. They are more receptive to solving crosswords, which is more like playing a game than going through review sessions, practice tests or learning through flashcards. Because completing a puzzle is a more active type of learning, they are able capture and engage the attention of students more than the passive types of review materials or techniques.

If you are a teacher who is trying to find ways to make your students more involved in teaching, you can integrate solving crossword puzzles into your learning activities. Whether you are teaching your kids about the water cycle or about geometry, you will be able to find a lot of crosswords online that are made specifically for these subjects. You can even find an application that lets you make the puzzles yourself.

Answering crosswords have become a favourite pastime of many people because they hold an appeal for all ages. They don’t only provide a sense of fulfilment upon completion, but they can also be solved in a less amount of time. These reasons make them perfect educational materials.