I am often struck by the impressive facts children share with me - and learn much from them! Just as often though, I discover gaps that surprise me. Last week, my Year 5 11+ students were studying a Michael Morpurgo extract which featured Australian Aborigines and not a single child knew who the Aboriginal people are. So this month's crosswords focus on general knowledge and I hope they spark some broader conversations at home. There is an easier one for Key Stage 1 and a more advanced one for Key Stage 2.

This month's crosswords tie in with my first two story videos on Youtube. Watch The Mystery of the Missing Seeds (Y1-4) and Beneath the Blue (Y4-6) then complete the accompanying crosswords.

Download your free crosswords this month! Year 3 & 4 have a great article about skateboarding tricks and Year 5 & 6 discover the fascinating abilities of axolotls.

I create crosswords for my students to develop their comprehension and vocabulary knowledge, all whilst broadening their general knowledge. These are essential skills for all children but particularly helpful for those preparing for 11+ school entrance exams and interviews.

Find two puzzles and their solutions: Y3&4 and Y5&6. 

Crosswords offer a variety of benefits for children, helping them develop skills that extend beyond just vocabulary. Here are some great advantages:

1. Vocabulary Expansion
   Crosswords encourage children to learn new words and reinforce their existing vocabulary. They’re exposed to a wide range of terms, and through clues and context, they often discover word meanings and synonyms, improving both their written and spoken language.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
   The process of solving crossword puzzles involves a lot of logical thinking. Children need to figure out how the words fit into the grid, which promotes problem-solving and analytical thinking. This can help improve their ability to approach challenges in various subjects.
3. Spelling Improvement
   Since crossword puzzles require children to fill in correct letters for each word, they help reinforce correct spelling. This repetitive process supports memory retention of tricky spellings, particularly for high-frequency words.
4. Memory Boost
   Crossword puzzles engage both short-term and long-term memory. Children need to remember the meanings of words, recognise patterns, and recall past knowledge to solve clues. This can enhance cognitive function and memory skills overall.
5. Focus and Patience
   Completing a crossword puzzle requires concentration, attention to detail, and patience. Children learn how to stay focused on a task until it’s completed, which can translate into better attention spans in other areas of their academic work.
6. Creativity and Wordplay
   Crosswords often involve playful clues or puns, encouraging children to think creatively and make connections between words in different contexts. This helps with developing a more flexible thinking style, which can be useful for creative writing and other forms of expression.
7. Confidence Building
   As children complete puzzles successfully, they gain a sense of achievement. Solving even a small crossword puzzle can boost their confidence, encouraging them to tackle more difficult challenges in the future.

Incorporating crossword puzzles into a child’s routine, whether in school or at home, is a fun and engaging way to help them develop these important cognitive and language skills.

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Unlock the Fun in Grammar with My FREE Crosswords!
Remember nouns, verbs, and adjectives? Of course, you do! But what about prepositions, adverbials, and determiners? These tricky grammar terms can be a bit more challenging. That's why I've created a fun and engaging way for your children to master them at home!
These latest crosswords are designed specifically to help kids learn and remember these essential grammar components. 
What You'll Find:

• Two levels of crossword focusing on different grammar terms
• Engaging clues that make learning interactive and fun
• A handy cheat sheet to guide you and your children through the clues effortlessly

Why You'll Love It:

• Helps reinforce grammar lessons in a playful manner
• Enhances vocabulary and understanding of complex grammar terms
• Perfect for home learning and suitable for primary school children

Download these crosswords today and turn grammar practice into an exciting activity for your children. With my cheat sheet at hand, solving these puzzles will be a breeze!
Happy learning!

Keeping children's maths skills sharp during the summer break can be both fun and educational with number crosswords. These puzzles are a fantastic way to engage young minds in a playful yet intellectually stimulating activity. The concept is simple: solve the maths clues provided and write the answers in words to complete the puzzle. This dual-focus activity not only helps reinforce their mathematical abilities but also improves their spelling and vocabulary.
Number crosswords can cover a variety of mathematical concepts. By incorporating different levels of difficulty, these puzzles can cater to a wide range of age groups and skill levels. This ensures that every child is both challenged and entertained.
Moreover, solving these crosswords together as a family can be a wonderful bonding activity. Parents might be surprised to discover that their children often grasp concepts more quickly than expected, and the collaborative effort can lead to some memorable moments. It's a great way to show kids that learning doesn't stop when school is out and that educational activities can be just as enjoyable as any other summer pastime. So, grab those pencils and dive into the world of number crosswords!

To tie in with the launch of my summer writing competition set in our local woodlands (see below), here is a puzzle to complete with your family. Covering history, science, English and maths this crossword is a great way to help your children learn about their environment as well as helpful spelling and vocabulary practice. Have fun!

Summer writing competition for local children aged 5-11!
Write a story or poem set in either Knighton Woods or Epping Forest.

Closing date: Saturday 17th August
Winners announced: Friday 23rd August

Winner and runner up prizes in each of two categories: age 5-7; age 8-11
1st prize - £25 book voucher and a free one-hour group class with Mrs Osh (worth over £20)
Runner up prize – awesome stationery set

This weekend, try out a crossword that covers current affairs and the primary curriculum. Not only a fantastic conversation starter, it also offers educational benefits. Crosswords can significantly improve vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension skills, making them an excellent tool for learning. 

Current affairs crosswords encourage children to stay informed about what's happening in the world. By including recent news topics and events, puzzles like this can make discussions about global and local issues more accessible and interesting for young minds. This can foster a habit of staying updated with the news, which is an invaluable skill as they grow older. Discussing the clues and solutions together can help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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As well as current affairs, incorporating elements of the primary curriculum into the crossword puzzle can reinforce what children are learning in school. Whether it's maths, English, science or geography, these crosswords can provide a fun way to review and practice key concepts. As children work through the puzzle, they'll encounter words and ideas they've learned in class, helping them to make connections and retain information better. So, grab a pen this weekend, and enjoy a productive and enjoyable learning experience with your children!