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Bilingual Crossword Puzzle

Learning a new language can be puzzling. Design a crossword puzzle to help you learn new words.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Paper
  • Ruler

Steps

  • Step 1

    Learning a new language has many benefits. It has been linked to improved concentration ability, better memory, increased creativity, and more. Ask students to think of another language they'd like to learn and perhaps tell why they chose it.

  • Step 2

    Have students write a list of words in the language they chose and the English translation. Encourage them to find words that share some letters so that they can cross in the puzzle. Next have them intersect and connect the words in a crossword format. They could work on scrap paper first to arrange the puzzle. Then they can then create a grid for the selected words on a piece of paper, mapping out the intersections that were planned. They should leave room on the side or bottom for a numbered list of clues. Add numbers to the corresponding boxes in the puzzle. Encourage them to decorate the borders in colors and patterns that are associated with the language (perhaps using the colors of the country's flag or national symbols).

  • Step 3

    Exchange puzzles with classmates and see if they can solve them. Or take the puzzles to another class in the school.

Standards

LA: Add drawings or other visual displays to written text to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

LA: Integrate visual information (e.g. in drawings, graphics, maps, or videos) with other information to convey meaning.

Adaptations

Challenge students to create a crossword puzzle using vocabulary from a particular unit of study - perhaps science words, foods, countries, etc.

Talk about decoding other puzzles, such as deciphering encrypted messages, reading body language, playing charades, etc. What else can students come up with?