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Set of alphabet letters used in name puzzle game called Crossword Names

Crossword Names

Name puzzle game to connect group members through creative play.

Quick set-up
Highly interactive
Promotes collaboration
Assists learning names
Multiple variations

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Original post February 2022, last updated September 2025.

BY Mark Collard - Experiential Trainer, Author & Speaker

Comments (8)

Clara Paez July 18, 2025

Hi!

I love this activity and I want to do it with a group of 40-45 students. Any tips or adaptations I could use?

Thank you!

Reply
1. Mark Collard July 18, 2025
  
  Good question Clara – Yes, this can work, you just need a LOT of letters to go around. I would also consider splitting the group into 2 (or 3) smaller groups – each creating their own separate crosswords BUT… with the proviso all three must somehow link to one of the others. For example, the letter of one name in team 1 connects to a letter of a name in team 2, etc.
jeWElle de Mesa June 1, 2023

On a recent workshop, it was the first time for me to see a space square with a heart drawn onto it. The group said this was about how ‘loved’ they felt as all their names were reflected on the wall; and that sometimes a loving thing to do with colleagues is to give them ‘space’, in whatever way, shape, or form. (“,)

Reply
1. Mark Collard June 2, 2023
  
  Oh wow JeWElle, this is amazing. Such a simple activity yet so powerful a result. Well done for inspiring this.
jeWElle de Mesa February 18, 2022

thaaaaanks for this, mark.

verrrrry quickly – for diversity – with enough time – have learners choose their own colors, shapes and writing instruments, et al. these choices can be used in future sharing opportunities about:
1) reasons for choice
2) how the shapes, colors, et al represent them
3) other topics for diversity – same letters/different shapes, et al

Reply
1. Mark Collard February 18, 2022
  
  I really appreciate how you have added a diversity angle to this activity, thanks for sharing JeWeL.
2. jeWElle de Mesa January 10, 2023
  
  We’ve also added a ‘creatively directional’ angle – as a starting point, a crossword phrase or statement is placed in the middle of a wall/floor/table.
  
  With the current project I’m supporting (data-driven development or 3D), we thought writing the name of the area plus ‘is 3D’ might help get the ball rolling, eg MELBOURNE IS 3D.
  
  The spaces can be empty squares, or in one area, they put IS on one square.
  
  All 10 areas we worked with wanted the challenge of putting all names on the board. Following this, we added a reflection question: What were some of the ways/methods we used to ensure that all names are reflected? Some responses that came up were – using full or nicknames, abbreviations (jr. for junior).
  
  Enjoyyyyy!
3. Mark Collard January 11, 2023
  
  Beautiful JeWElle, I always appreciate your creativity and willingness to share.

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