Do it Yourself Word Scramble
Word scrambles can be made by hand or generated online. Many sites allow you to tailor the complexity of the word scramble depending on the age group for which the puzzles are intended. A subscription is available if you require word scrambles frequently. Or, for a nominal one-time fee, create as many puzzles as you need. Free trials let you try the software out and print a few puzzles. Word scrambles can cover any topic and are commonly used in the classroom for topics such as spelling, vocabulary, art, geography, history, current events, special occasions and sports.
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Instructions
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Develop a theme for the puzzle. For the classroom, a general school theme is a good idea for the beginning of the year, and for the end of the year, do a summer-vacation theme. If you are making a puzzle for your own kids for a road trip, incorporate destination themes you will encounter along the way.
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Create a list of words for the scramble. This is where you can exert a degree of control over the difficulty level of the puzzle. For instance, an autumn-themed puzzle can contain simpler words such as leaves, rake, apple, harvest, scarecrow, chill and squash. Or, add in a few challenging words such as equinox, migration, foliage, October and November.
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Go to a word scramble website. Insert the list of words into the scrambling software and choose a font. Landscapes and backgrounds may be available to add to the puzzles. Some sites generate more than one puzzle and let you choose your favorite of the batch. View word scramble puzzles already made. Look for "best of" puzzles to get ideas for themes and word selection.
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Print the word scramble puzzle.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a word scramble generator to create other types of word puzzles, including word searches and crossword puzzles for different times of the year. Have fun with the words, and add bonus words with a silly theme or exceptionally long words. Other ideas include creating a word scramble for family reunions, rainy days and journeys such as car rides or long flights.
Create puzzles within the skill-set of the intended age group to prevent undue frustration. One idea is to add one or two words that are a bit tougher and award a prize (a sticker or something small) to anyone who finds the tough word.
References
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