Technology Lesson Plan: Create an on-line crossword puzzle.

Level: Intermediate and above

Length: One class period.

Language objectives: write definitions; simple present; adjective clauses

Computer/Technology skills (student):

1. Type in a URL

2. Use mouse and keyboard

3. Print from browser

Computer/Technology skills (teacher): Same as student.

Previously taught: Grammar: adjective clauses (high Int.) or simple present sentences (low Int.).

Practice defining words and guessing what they are. Groups write a series of definitions. Other groups guess the words. Example: This animal has a long nose and big ears. An _____ is an animal that has a long nose and big ears.

Procedure: Show students sample crossword puzzle. Explain that their classmates will have to complete the puzzle.

In groups, students choose words and write 10-12 definitions. Walk around and help students with their writing.

After you have checked a group’s sentences, the group goes to a computer and opens the browser. (Double click on the Explorer icon.)

Type http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com into the address bar.

Click on the triangle next to "try other puzzles."Choose Criss-Cross puzzle.

Follow the directions on the page for completing a crossword puzzle.

Print the puzzles and make copies for the other students to complete.

You need to print the puzzles as they are made; they won’t save correctly.The next day, correct puzzle answers on the overhead projector. Correct mistakes in the clues.

Hints about crossword puzzles: Students should write definitions for single words, not phrases. (The program reads the space as the beginning of the definition.)

Puzzles work better if they contain words of different lengths.Point out to students that this is a good web site for making practice materials for their children. (They can make word searches, mazes and other puzzles.)