How to Design Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are a great way to pass the time. When on long road trips and other forms of entertainment are not available, you may want to create crossword puzzles for your kids. This not only will keep them busy but will keep them thinking as well.
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Instructions
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Write out a long word on a piece of paper. It doesn't matter what it is. This will be your starting word, and everything else will branch out after it.
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Write other words of varying length that intersect the first word. For example, write "understanding" horizontally as your first word, and then write "landing" vertically, intersecting with the first word on the "i."
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Continue creating words that cross over previous words by sharing common letters until you have a complete puzzle.
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Create a grid for the words you created. Each letter will have its own box around it. Do this for the spaces between letters as well. This will keep you from skipping spaces and leaving off grid marks.
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Number each grid. You will need these numbers when creating the questions.
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Write a hint for each word you wrote out--for example, "Plane stopping on the ground" for "landing." If the word's first letter starts at 3 on the grid and it is a vertical word, the question will be marked "3 Down." Continue this for all of the words in your grid.
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Draw out a blank board corresponding to the grid you created. Give the blank grid and the hints to someone to solve the puzzle.
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Tips & Warnings
Use an online crossword-puzzle creator if you don't want to draw out a grid. The software will generate a grid that you can print out and copy.
