How to Design a Word Ladder
Word Ladder refers to a word game in which a player is assigned a start word and an end word. The player must change one letter of the word at a time, always making a new legitimate word, until he creates the new word. For example, if BALL is the start word and PILE is the end word, the player could change BALL to PALL, PALL to PILL and PILL to PILE. Lewis Carroll, the author of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," invented Word Ladder. Word Ladder is an ideal word game for students in elementary school. You can design easy or tricky Word Ladders, so the game can be played among children of different ages.
Instructions
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Choose two words that have the same number of letters. Longer words are more difficult, while shorter words are easier. In addition, words with rare letters, such as Q or Z, are more difficult. For example, suppose you choose CARD and DOGS.
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Type or write your start word at the top of the page, make several lines underneath the word, and then write your end word. Leave more lines for challenging words and fewer lines for simple ladders. If you're not sure whether your ladder is easy or tricky, take a few minutes to solve it. For example, CARD and DOGS can be solved by CARD, CARS, BARS, BAGS, BOGS and DOGS.
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Add hints to the blank lines, if desired. Hints are helpful for younger players, while older players may dislike them. For example, under CARD, you could write CA___ and the hint "Mode of transportation." Clip art illustrations also make fun tips.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider using Word Ladder for themed activities. For example, at a holiday celebration, students could solve the ladder SNOW to GIFT.
