Crossword puzzles are an impactful educational resource. In fact, various studies highlight their importance in teaching a wide range of subjects, from history to mathematics. From a pedagogical perspective, the benefits of solving crossword puzzles are numerous, such as expanding vocabulary and learning how to solve problems. However, it is not easy to find good crossword puzzles tailored to the needs of students or specific subjects. Fortunately, the solution is within reach, with platforms and other resources to create free online crossword puzzles esl.
Tools for Creating Free Online Crossword Puzzles
A simple search on the internet will reveal dozens of tools for creating free online crossword puzzles. Here we will analyze a few. However, we recommend trying these or others until you find the one that best suits your preferences and needs.
For example, one should consider the levels of difficulty, ease of use of the tool, and the possibility of solving them online.
Educima Crossword and Word Search Generator
Educima is a platform with hundreds of resources such as word and word search generators, crossword puzzles, coloring sheets, and mandalas. It also allows you to share resources, so you can create free online crossword puzzles or search for pre-made ones.
You need to input words and their definitions. It allows up to 15 words. It is recommended that the words have enough common letters.
Tools and Utilities
This lesser-known site offers various entertainment options as well as help with health, spelling, and mathematics. It allows you to create free online crossword puzzles with up to 25 words and clues. By pressing the “Generate Crossword” button, it shows the diagram and vertical and horizontal clues. It also allows you to view the answers.
Olesur Crossword Puzzle Generator
Olesur is a platform full of math and language games. Additionally, there are quizzes, puzzles, and other brain games.
The free online crossword puzzle generator asks for a title and words. The free version, or rather the one limited by the ad blocker, allows up to 15 words.
The advantage is that you don’t need to create the definitions as they are automatically loaded when generating the crossword. However, not all definitions are available. Meanwhile, you can edit the words and cells to provide clues and set the definitions. The platform allows you to download, print, or save the crossword puzzles. It also lets you share them for publication so other users can see them.
Generatools, crossword express
Another platform full of tools to generate word searches, roulettes, raffles, and various converters. It allows you to create free online crossword puzzles, download them, print them, or save them unsolved. The limit is 25 words. However, it is mandatory to include the clues or definitions.
Educaplay for Creating Crosswords and Puzzles
We’ve previously discussed this tool that helps create online crossword best and many other possibilities. Remember that you need to register to use it, although the registration is free. However, there is also a paid version.
You need to go to the platform and create a new activity, choosing “create crossword”. Choose the language and enter the title and description. Other options are available, such as setting time limits for the activity or adding a help button so the student can know if the word is correct.
A progress register is shown in the form of a speedometer, which increases as words and definitions are added. Once it reaches 70, you can publish the crossword.
To create free online crossword puzzles, you need to enter the word and choose how to load the definition, for example, through text, image, or audio.
The platform is very intuitive and allows you to embed the activity in virtual class platforms.
How to Create Free Online Crossword Puzzles with Common Tools
Not many people know that it is possible to create free online crossword puzzles using more common tools, like the Office suite. There’s no need to be online to create them.
Creating Free Online Crosswords with Word
Before you start, we recommend having the words and definitions ready. To create free online crosswords with Word, follow these steps:
- Go to “Design” > “Page Layout” and select narrow margins. Also, set the following parameters: horizontal orientation, two columns.
- Copy and paste the questions, separating them into horizontal and vertical ones. There is no limit to the number of words.
- Insert a table, choosing the number of rows and columns. Format the table so the cells are square. Move the table to the right column so that the definitions appear in one column and the crossword in the other.
- Add words, making sure they intersect on common letters to create a challenging format. On platforms, algorithms do this, but it’s not that difficult.
- Select the entire table, align the letters vertically, and adjust the letter size to fit the cells.
- Then, remove all borders and add borders for each word.
- Finally, select the table again and press “Delete”. This will leave only the empty boxes.
- Add the reference numbers by writing the number, formatting it as a superscript, and placing it in the cell (e.g., left-aligned).
Creating Crosswords and Puzzles with Excel
The process for creating free online crossword puzzles with Excel is very simple.
- Select the grid and format the cells to be square.
- Copy and paste the definitions, already distributed into horizontal and vertical words.
- Write the words in the grid so that they intersect on common letters. Format all the borders of each cell.
- Excel gives you the option to show results, such as displaying a checkmark or a smiley face if the word is correct, or a cross or a sad face if it is incorrect. For this, use the CONCATENATE function and the “IF” condition.
- CONCATENATE allows you to join one or more strings. In a section of the page, for example, between the definitions and the grid, create the results area and connect each question with the result cell where the corresponding function has been loaded.
Conclusion
That’s it for information on “Platforms for Creating Free Online Crossword Puzzles”. We hope it’s been helpful. Remember that on RecursosTICs, you will find resources and tools for your computer science classes, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or suggestions.
Do you have your own tricks for creating crosswords? Share them!
