22. USING TECH: COMPREHENSION CROSSWORD (Reading, Writing, Feedback)
Description: Research shows that solving crossword puzzles can build vocabulary and reasoning skills. Student-generated crossword puzzles increase these skills by forcing learners to be responsible for content accuracy while working with the current topic of study.
Application: Assign student-generated crosswords in conjunction with a reading or at the end of a unit of study.
Process: Assign a reading and, in a whole group setting, generate a list of relevant terms from the reading, the more the better. Instruct students to use a specific number of terms (ten to fifteen) from the list, selecting terms from the top, middle, and end of the list for variety. Refer students to a crossword puzzle maker website: http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/crossword/ and model how to create interesting clues. Ask students to print one copy of the puzzle and one copy of the key. After students have turned in their puzzles, review to find strong examples, copy them, and distribute. Allow enough time for students to solve puzzles. Review crosswords, discuss, and/or clarify points of confusion. As an alternate method, use the examples multiple times to quiz students informally until they are confident with the definitions and content words.
Description: Research shows that solving crossword puzzles can build vocabulary and reasoning skills. Student-generated crossword puzzles increase these skills by forcing learners to be responsible for content accuracy while working with the current topic of study.
Application: Assign student-generated crosswords in conjunction with a reading or at the end of a unit of study.
Process: Assign a reading and, in a whole group setting, generate a list of relevant terms from the reading, the more the better. Instruct students to use a specific number of terms (ten to fifteen) from the list, selecting terms from the top, middle, and end of the list for variety. Refer students to a crossword puzzle maker website: http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/crossword/ and model how to create interesting clues. Ask students to print one copy of the puzzle and one copy of the key. After students have turned in their puzzles, review to find strong examples, copy them, and distribute. Allow enough time for students to solve puzzles. Review crosswords, discuss, and/or clarify points of confusion. As an alternate method, use the examples multiple times to quiz students informally until they are confident with the definitions and content words.
References, graphics, and/or for more information:
22. Using Tech: Comprehension Crosswords
http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/balancedliteracydiet/Recipe/00054/
http://www.deltapublishing.co.uk/content/uploads/2010/12/MinimaxTeacher_p41-54.pdf
http://www.vocabulary.co.il/2007/09/teaching-with-crossword-puzzles/
22. Using Tech: Comprehension Crosswords
http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/balancedliteracydiet/Recipe/00054/
http://www.deltapublishing.co.uk/content/uploads/2010/12/MinimaxTeacher_p41-54.pdf
http://www.vocabulary.co.il/2007/09/teaching-with-crossword-puzzles/