How Crosswords Help Students
Teachers are always looking for fun and interesting ways to educate the kids in their class. Children are often found in front of their electronics, but puzzles are a great way to engage their minds. Word searches, logic problems, and crosswords all help children improve their reading. However, there are several other important ways they challenge a child's mind.
Improve Spelling
Crosswords use clues to help a child improve their spelling of words. To complete the puzzle, you have to spell the word correctly and have the correct term for the question given. Teachers can use these worksheets as a way to encourage students to practice their spelling words throughout the week.
Increase Vocabulary
Learning how to spell words is one thing, but education comes with knowing what the words mean. Any type of word puzzle will increase exposure to new words. However, crosswords give the additional benefit of helping children remember the definition. They can also see how one word can be used in different ways.
Memory Development
Constant exposure to words and their meanings will develop a child's memory. The brain is an organ that needs constant engagement to prevent losing memory. Also, the more you develop the memory, the faster you work through all other subjects. The speed a child can process any task is dependent on keeping the brain strengthened.
Develop the 3 P's (Patience, Persistence, Problem-Solving)
Every successful person must learn to master the three p's in a work environment. Starting a child at a young age with these life skills is a great way to introduce them to a safe environment.
- Patience—Crosswords become increasingly more difficult and take time to solve correctly.
- Persistence—Children can learn that errors are used to learn and grow.
- Problem-Solving—Some clues may have different words that could be correct, so the child must use other clues to determine which word is accurate.
Improves Self-Esteem
Anytime a child completes something difficult, their self-esteem is boosted. Crosswords are puzzles that give children the ability to see accomplishments in small steps. Puzzles that start simple will give a student wins, but then they can become more complicated. When a child sees progress as they push through challenges, they are more adept to take on bigger challenges in their life.
These are only a few of the benefits that a child will see from doing word puzzles. Teachers can send these worksheets home with their students to work on alongside their homework. If you think your child may benefit from solving educational puzzles, consider visiting Old School XWP.