Crossing Words

[20 Minutes]

Enjoy this challenging word game. The object of the game is to score points by forming words in a crossword diagram.

You'll need:

• pencil and paper for each player

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through before you begin.
2. Gather everything you'll need.

How to play:

1. Before beginning, each player draws a crossword diagram (consisting of five boxes across and five down) on a sheet of paper.
2. Player 1 calls out a letter at random. Both players place that letter in a square on their diagrams.
3. Player 2 chooses another letter, which also must be placed in the diagrams, keeping in mind that they are trying to form as many words as possible.
4. Players continue selecting letters until the squares have been filled.
5. When the diagrams are complete, players add up their scores as follows:

   Horizontal and vertical words score 1 point for each letter.
   A five-letter word scores a bonus point.
   Two words maybe formed in one line (G-O-D-O-G would score 5 points as go and dog), but a word that can be split into two separate words (canon – can and on) may only be scored once. Either five points for the word or three points for “can” and two points for “on.”
   Remember that if it is a five-letter word, you get a bonus point.

6. The player with the highest score wins!
7. Challenge yourselves by making the diagram seven boxes across and seven boxes down. Give a seven-letter word two bonus points.

Useful information:

My brother and I come home after school. After we do our homework, sometimes we play this game. I usually let him win, but he doesn't know it. (Missy, age 13)