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Crossword maker

Make a printable crossword from your own words and clues, a topic you’re studying, or this week’s spelling list. The words are fitted into a proper crossing grid with numbered squares and Across and Down clues, and every roll gives a new layout with an answer page.

• Spelling practicePick a spelling list and each clue shows the word with some letters missing. Children write the whole word, and the crossing letters help them check it.
• Topic revisionChoose Octopus or Marrakech and the clues are the key-word meanings from those topic pages. It works well at the end of a topic week.
• Make one for a siblingOlder children write their own clues, one word per line like crab: it walks sideways. Writing a good clue is great practice for explaining what a word means.
• Start easyFor a first go, turn on the word bank and the first letters. Take them away next time so it feels like a step up.