Monday, April 29, 2019

Puzzling over the Best Way to Make and Use Crossword Puzzles

Looking for a FREE application.


THIS IS THE WINNER!!!!

Tools for Educators   This is easy to create. If unable to generate a crossword with the words provided you will get an error message. I had to make 2 adjustments before my puzzle would generate. I was able to print an answer key and student handout. I plan to use this site to create crossword puzzles, at least for now.   
Student Handout and Answer Key. The image below is of just the student handout.
This link will take you to just the student handout.
THE DOWNSIDE IS THAT THE NUMBERS ON THE CROSSWORD GRID ARE LIGHT AND HARD TO READ.
                     


THIS IS A GREAT PAID VERSION.  I AM GIVING THIS A TRY AS WELL

Share a Puzzle costs $5 per puzzle or  $12.00 a year or $24 for three years. After your purchase you can do the following:  I decided to give this one a try.
This link will take you to the sample puzzle I created.
You can also complete the puzzle online and embed in a website. https://www.shareapuzzle.com/play/58181/LexiaCore5ReadingReview_LaunchReview.htm

  • Create PDF files that you can print, save locally, email, host online, etc. An answer sheet page is optional.
  • Export graphic files of your puzzles for use in other software. Can include or exclude backgroud pictures. Export solutions too. Formats include PNG, JPG, SVG, TIFF, & BMP.
  • Create an interactive crossword puzzle and share links that lets other people solve on their computers, tablets or phones.
  • Put your interactive crossword puzzle in your web pages.
  • If you purchase a subscription, do the above for any number of puzzles. Subscriptions do not renew automatically (no surprise charges). Your saved and interactive puzzles will remain available after your subscription expires and renewal of your subscription can restore the benefits listed above.

OTHER APPLICATIONS I REVIEWED

Crossword Hobbyist is not free though it looks very good.

Puzzle Maker has some free options but the better features come with a price

Hot Potato is free but the export feature is clunky.

The Teacher's Corner. I was able to make a free crossword puzzle and generate a pdf document and an image file. I was able to increase the size of the image file.  The pdf image was too small. The result is pretty plain but workable. There are various paid options though I am not sure the resulting image is bigger.  



WordMint. I like the way you can see the puzzle take shape as you add clues and words.  There is a rearrange feature which allows you to see other configuration options. I like the size of the puzzle and you have font size options. You are able to print an answer key but you need to pay a one-time $17.99 to print student handouts if you have more than 5 clues.   Link to a 5 question crossword puzzle and answer key from WordMint



I plan to use these puzzles as a way to summarize the key points at the end of the training session.  My colleague Suzy used the phrase "Exit Ticket."
This activity will also work at the start of a new session to review content from a previous session.
My colleague Kathy used the crossword puzzle at the start of a face to face advanced data coaching session.  She said it worked great and participants liked the activity. They worked together in groups. Kathy suggested having participants try to answer the questions without resources for the 1st 5 minutes and then consult resources in areas of question. Do debrief, Kathy asked the group which questions they were most puzzled by and used these and her insight from listening to their conversations as content to review. She said the activity took longer than she anticipated, about 25 minutes. Her other feedback is that the numbers on the crossword puzzle are too light.


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