By 
Crosswords aren’t just played by people or families who are up for a challenge. They are also used by teachers who have recognized the possibilities these puzzles offer. The Internet, which already offers online versions of the game, as well as programs that allow you to create your own, has even made it easier for teachers to use crossword puzzles as learning tools for students.
The value of crosswords for learning
– It requires the use of mental development skills.
Solving a crossword puzzle will ask the student to use various skills that will hone their mental development, including spelling, logic, vocabulary, and analysis. You will only be able to solve these types of puzzles if you recognize and understand the terms used in the clues. By doing this, you will be able to acquire new vocabulary. You will also be able to tell the difference between phrases and words that can have a similar meaning.
To finish a crossword, a student will also need to know the precise spelling. So it means that they would need to practice their dictionary skills if they want to solve the game. Other relevant and essential skills needed to complete crossword puzzles also include evaluating choices, making interpretations, and drawing conclusions.
– Appeal to varied learning styles.
Auditory, visual, and even kinesthetic learners enjoy the challenge of solving or completing crossword puzzles. This type of game appeals to auditory learners due to its love of working in sequence and its step-by-step logic. Meanwhile, visual learners are very satisfied when they are able to solve crossword puzzles due to their strong puzzle solving skills. It is the multitasking strategies of completing a crossword that attract kinesthetic learners to this game.
– They look like recreational games.
Puzzle solving is considered a form of recreation. As a result, students view them as less stressful when used in a classroom. They are more receptive to solving crosswords, which is more like a game than going through review sessions, practice tests, or learning through flashcards. Because completing puzzles is a more active type of learning, they can capture and engage students more than passive types of materials or review techniques.
If you are a teacher trying to find ways to get your students more involved in teaching, you can integrate crossword solving into your learning activities. Whether you are teaching your children about the water cycle or about geometry, you will be able to find many crosswords online that are made specifically for these topics. You can even find an app that lets you do the puzzles yourself.
Answering crosswords has become a favorite pastime for many people because they appeal to all ages. Not only do they provide a sense of satisfaction upon completion, but they can also be resolved in less time. These reasons make them perfect educational materials.