I was surprised to discover that many ESL students in Korea have never done a crossword puzzle, especially the younger children.

Some written languages do not lend themselves to this game/activity because the words are not written in a linear fashion with letters. What do I mean by this? Korean writing is much like Chinese with blocks of pen/brush strokes used to make a character or syllable.

The European languages and many others are written with the Roman alphabet with letters strung out usually from left to right, and sometimes from top to bottom on shop signs. Thus English and French and Indonesian, etc., can be used to make a crossword puzzle.

1. Do this on the board as it then becomes a group learning activity and a game.

2. Teacher thinks of a long word and prints it in the middle of the board either horizontally or vertically.

3. Pass the chalk or marker to the first seated child and ask them to come up and add one word to the puzzle. The child may be totally baffled but you can hold their hand and add a word, maybe a small 3-letter word. The rest of the class catches on right away.

4. Then call up the next student and pass over the chalk or marker. You may help them correct the spelling or other students shout it out.

5.Go around the group so that each child gets a try.

6. This is a very easy game to do and quite enjoyable for kids. If you have time you may want to start over by erasing and changing the central word. I use long words to start like Frankenstein, computers, crocodiles, and elephants so the kids have lots of linear space to tack on the shorter words they know.

7. Children learn a few new words, spelling and speaking but they also learn to take turns and do a group activity in a polite manner. Many children have never used markers and written at the board. It is quite a different task from writing on paper. Be patient with the little ones at the board.

This game is best for kids who know many small words but older children will be bored. Use your judgement.

Copyright Robin Day 2006