Educational Crossword Manual
A simple guide to prepare, configure, and use interactive crosswords in class.
What it allows you to do
The Crossword turns words and clues into an activity ready to project or print.
The teacher can write their own words, load prepared categories from JSON, or practice languages with translations. The game can be solved individually or with students taking turns.
Quick steps
How to prepare a crossword.
Open the game
Go to the Crossword page from the “Open the game” button.
Choose how to load words
Select manual, automatic, or languages depending on the type of activity.
Prepare the content
Write words with clues, choose a subcategory, or select the practice languages.
Choose the game mode
Use “Solo” to solve directly or “Students” to play by turns.
Start the crossword
When it starts, the configuration disappears and only the board with the clues remains.
Use the actions
You can print, change category, close the crossword, or ask for help if you are playing alone.
Word source
Three ways to prepare the content.
Choose the option that best fits the time available and the objective of the class.
| Option | What it is used for | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | Create your own list for a specific class, topic, reading, or review. | Write each word with its clue. You can also paste content from Excel. |
| Automatic | Use the categories and subcategories already prepared in the JSON files. | Choose category, subcategory, number of words, and click “Load automatic words”. |
| Languages | Practice vocabulary by translating from a native language into a practice language. | Choose native language, practice language, category, and subcategory. The board is completed with the word in the target language. |
Manual mode
Formats accepted by the crossword.
Each entry needs a word and a clue. You can write them manually or copy them from a spreadsheet.
planet - Celestial body that orbits a star.
ecosystem | Set of living beings and their environment.
atom: Basic unit of matter.
evaporation -> Change from liquid to gas.
Solo or students
Two ways to solve the board.
Play solo
The player writes directly on the board using the keyboard. If a letter is correct, the game moves to the next square of the selected word.
Help
In individual mode, a button appears to reveal one letter of the selected word.
With students
Allows students to work by turns, record correct answers, and use the crossword as a group activity.
Scoring
In student mode, scoring can be used to motivate participation and track class progress.
During the game
How to solve the crossword.
| Action | What it does |
|---|---|
| Select a word | Click on a numbered square or on a clue. The word becomes active on the board. |
| Write letters | In individual mode, letters are typed with the keyboard. Correct letters remain in their square. |
| Visual error | If an incorrect letter is typed, the square is briefly marked in red with an X. |
| Completed word | When a word is completed, its clue appears crossed out in the list of definitions. |
| Print crossword | The print button prepares the crossword to be used on paper or saved as a PDF. |
| Change category | Returns to the area where words are loaded so another category or subcategory can be chosen. |
| Close crossword | Exits the current board and allows you to prepare a new activity. |
Languages
Practice vocabulary with translations.
In language mode, the teacher selects the native language as the clue and the language to practice as the crossword answer.
Tips
How to avoid problems when creating the crossword.
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| The crossword is not created | Use shorter words, reduce the number of words, or check that each word has a clue. |
| Some words do not fit | This is normal when there are many long words or few letters in common. Try a more balanced list. |
| There are repeated words | The game avoids duplicates. It is advisable to review the list before starting. |
| The class needs a quick activity | Use automatic mode with 10 or 20 words for a short activity. |
| The activity will be printed | Start the crossword, check that it looks good, and click “Print crossword”. |
Class ideas
Simple uses for different subjects.
New vocabulary
Terms from a unit with short definitions to reinforce concepts.
Before a test
Quick review of key words, formulas, authors, dates, or processes.
Pair work
One student reads the clue and another suggests the word before writing it.
Languages
Translations by category to practice writing and vocabulary recognition.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions before using it.
How many words can I use?
In automatic and language modes, lists of up to 30 words are used. For class, 10 or 20 is usually more convenient.
Do all words need to fit?
Not always. The crossword tries to place as many words as possible. If many are missing, reduce the list or use shorter words.
Can I use it without students?
Yes. In “Solo” mode, the player types directly with the keyboard and can use help to reveal letters.
Can I change category afterward?
Yes. The “Change category” button takes you back to the area where words are loaded.
Can it be printed?
Yes. Once the crossword is created, use the “Print crossword” button.
Can I practice languages?
Yes. Choose native language, practice language, category, and subcategory. The crossword is generated with translations.
Ready to use
Prepare a crossword and start the activity.
Choose words, review the clues, and use the board as an individual exercise, turn-based activity, or printable material.