July 29, 1999

LIBRARY / CROSSWORD CD-ROM'S

Building a Crossword: Tools and Materials

By ALICE KEIM

For some, crosswords are part obsession and part self-torture, a kind of mental steeplechase. For others -- and I am one, even though I am not particularly adept at them -- they are merely a pleasant diversion, an afternoon jog that stimulates the mind while exercising it.



Claire Yaffa for The New York Times
Overview

• Building a Crossword: Tools and Materials

This Week's Reviews

• Crossworks

• Crossword Weaver

• Crossword Studio 3.0

• Crossword Magic


For teachers and parents, crosswords can be a wonderful teaching tool.

Social studies teachers create puzzles based on historical facts or geographical details. Language-arts teachers use crossword puzzles to test vocabulary or reading comprehension. The crosswords can also be used by parents and teachers to create puzzles with holiday or other themes. Birthday parties can include puzzles with facts about the guest of honor, like ""friend of Beavis (8 letters).""

Since it can be hard to make a puzzle work in the crossword's characteristic grid of black and white squares, software can be a great help. Many of the available programs will let users import graphics or customize the layout to produce crossword-based cards and invitations (guests must complete the puzzle to uncover the details of the event). Many programs also let users put their puzzles on the Web.

With many programs to choose from, you should be clear about what you are looking for before you purchase. Some programs excel in layout and personalization, while others include large dictionaries to help you come up with word options. Some programs are geared more toward helping you solve puzzles than toward creating them. Most create puzzles that can be solved on a computer or printed out and worked on paper.

Keep in mind that no program can be brilliant or clever for you. While the program can provide the basic design, the real genius of crossword creation is ultimately up to the creator.

Alice Keim, a teacher, is the technology coordinator for the Horace Mann Lower School in the Bronx.




Home | Site Index | Site Search | Forums | Archives | Marketplace

Quick News | Page One Plus | International | National/N.Y. | Business | Technology | Science | Sports | Weather | Editorial | Op-Ed | Arts | Automobiles | Books | Diversions | Job Market | Real Estate | Travel

Help/Feedback | Classifieds | Services | New York Today

Copyright 1999 The New York Times Company