 Get your children into crosswords with this entry level puzzle. Level up their English along the way - and when the game is over, check your answers! Download and print it here.
Crossword puzzles are an often overlooked yet powerful tool for learning. Crosswords go far beyond vocabulary building; they offer many cognitive and academic benefits:
Discover my range of workbooks packed with crosswords and other great puzzles for learning here.
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 In today's fast-paced world, nurturing children's learning patterns is crucial to their development and success. Backed by cognitive science, here are eight transformative learning habits that set children apart:
1. Embracing challenges The strongest learners are not those who find everything easy but those who tackle challenges head-on. When children embrace challenges, they build real confidence by overcoming difficulties. Books like Mission and Supercharge foster this by providing structured and open-ended challenges. 2. Understanding, not memorising True learning is about understanding concepts, not just memorising processes. By focusing on why things work, children develop a deeper grasp of knowledge. Mission and Supercharge enhance this understanding by building strong foundations in reading and vocabulary while connecting skills across various subjects. 3. Accepting uncertainty Children who are comfortable with uncertainty are often more creative. The Mission and Supercharge books encourage this mindset by presenting unexpected challenges and open-ended tasks, nurturing creativity from the start. 4. Curiosity over passivity Curiosity drives learning. Encouraging children to ask questions like "Why?", "What if?", and "Is there another way?" leads to deeper learning. Mission and Supercharge cultivate curiosity by incorporating exploration and justification into learning. 5. Learning with purpose Learning should be purposeful and problem-solving oriented. Instead of just practising for tests, children should apply their skills to real-world problems. Mission and Supercharge help children develop core skills and then use those skills in complex scenarios. 6. Resilient mindset Mistakes are an essential part of the learning process. Strong learners see errors as opportunities to improve. Mission and Supercharge foster resilience by providing low-pressure practice and encouraging refinement and iteration. 7. Connected thinking Subjects should not be isolated. Children who connect ideas across disciplines - such as reading, math, and creativity - develop a more holistic understanding. Mission and Supercharge strengthen core skills and link them to broader thinking, helping children see the bigger picture. 8. Genuine understanding Aim for understanding, not just performance. While quick answers may fade, deep understanding endures. Mission and Supercharge build lasting knowledge and turn it into confident thinking. These learning habits are the building blocks for children who not only excel academically but also think critically and creatively. By building these habits, we prepare children for a lifetime of learning and growth.  If times tables practice in your house looks like sighing, guessing and giving up… you’re not alone. The problem isn’t times tables – nor your child! It’s the way we’re asking them to learn.
Most practice relies on sitting still, repeating and hoping it sticks. But the strongest learners don’t just memorise; they learn by doing. One of the simplest ways to transform times tables practice is to get children out of their seats. Here are 12 simple movement-based games that make practice active and genuinely fun for all. 1. Answer Corners Place four possible answers in different corners of the room. Call out a question (e.g. 6 × 4). The child runs to the corner they think is correct. Example: Corners = 20, 24, 28, 32 → correct answer = 24 Make it better: Include a ‘common mistake’ answer (like 20) to challenge thinking. 2. Sprint & Solve Place question cards at one end of the room. The child runs to pick one, brings it back, and solves it aloud. Example: Card says 7 × 8 → child runs back and answers 56 Challenge: Can they get 3 correct in a row? 3. Hit the Target Stick numbers on a wall or floor. Call out a question and the child throws a beanbag at the correct answer. Example: Call: 9 × 3 → aim for 27 If they miss: They still say the answer out loud before trying again. 4. Times Table Relay Race Split into teams. Each player runs to answer one question, then tags the next person. Example: Player 1: 4 × 6 = 24 → runs back Player 2 goes next Goal: First team to complete all questions correctly wins. 5. Multiply & Move Answer a question, then perform that number as an action. Example: 3 × 4 = 12 → 12 jumps 5 × 2 = 10 → 10 claps Why it works: Links the number to physical experience. 6. Human Number Line Mark numbers on the floor (e.g. 0–50). Call out a question and the child must move to the correct answer. Example: 4 × 7 → child stands on 28 7. Dodge & Answer Throw a soft ball to the child while asking a question. They must answer before (or as) they catch it. Example: Throw → “6 × 8!” → catch + answer 48 Twist: Wrong answer = quick action (e.g. spin or squat) 8. Dice Dash Roll two dice. Multiply the numbers, then run to the correct answer card. Example: Roll 3 and 5 → run to 15 Extension: Use three dice for a bigger challenge. 9. Find the Fact Hide multiplication questions around the room. Children find one, solve it, and bring back the answer. Example: Find: 8 × 6 → return with 48 Make it competitive: How many can they solve in 5 minutes? 10. Red Light, Green Light Play as normal — but to move again after ‘red light’, the child must answer a question correctly. Example: Stopped → must answer 7 × 7 → say 49 to continue 11. Build & Run Give a multiplication. The child runs to build that number using objects (blocks, cones, etc.). Example: 4 × 5 = 20 → build a tower of 20 Nice link: Helps visualise what multiplication represents. 12. Correct or Chase Ask a question.
Why kids love it: High stakes + high energy. Why this approach works When children move, they’re not just practising, they’re learning in a way that lasts. These games:
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Find more vocabulary and comprehension activities here!
Welcome to my Christmas Crossword Challenge! Get ready to unwrap a festive mix of maths, English, jokes, and general knowledge - all packed into one fun puzzle. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills before the holidays, test your brain after too many mince pies, or just enjoy a cosy seasonal activity, this crossword is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. If you enjoy this puzzle, you’ll love the full collection in my book Mission: Comprehension. It is filled with even more brain-boosting challenges and perfect as a stocking filler for curious kids (and adults!). If vocabulary development is what you're looking for, take a peek at Mission: Vocabulary too! Let’s get puzzling! 🎄🧠✨
 "My eldest has really enjoyed working his way through this brilliant book, it’s provided hours of fun and learning!
Full of crosswords, puzzles, word-matching games and more, all of the activities are engaging and designed to boost comprehension, build vocabulary, broaden knowledge and deepen understanding. It’s really helped us to make quick progress, strengthen skills and work on problem solving. As a home educating family it’s proved to be an invaluable resource. Great to complete at home or on the go, it’s photocopiable and is perfect for teachers, home educators and parents. Could not recommend this one enough 🙌🏻" Via Instagram "My daughter has joined Melissa's book club for a year. She loves Melissa's every lesson and she doesn't want to miss any one of them. Over the year, her creative writing skill has been developing through the lessons and the reading of books carefully selected by Melissa. I like the fact that the joy of reading is rooted with the children. Melissa makes connection with the books they read in the lessons which reinforces the learning and the practice of their writing. Melissa is a great teacher. She makes her lessons interesting and engaging. I am really grateful to have her as my daughter's tutor. Thank you for supporting her learning!" Via Google reviews. 
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