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How to Create Your Own Word Shapes Puzzles

Word shape puzzles work because lowercase letters sit in different places on the writing line. Seven letters, such as ̶0;b̶1; or ̶0;k,̶1; reach above the line. Five, like ̶0;g̶1; and ̶0;q,̶1; go below the line. Fourteen letters, including ̶0;o̶1; and ̶0;s,̶1; sit squarely on the line. The shape of the word, then, is dependent on the letters that make it. Create your own word shape puzzle games by choosing words, drawing the shapes and setting up the puzzle page.

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a puzzle theme. Use vocabulary words if you are making the puzzle for students. Otherwise, use words related to the event where you will use the puzzles, such as a baby shower, a birthday party or a sleepover.
- 2
  Select the number of letters you want to use so all the words in each puzzle are the same length. Use only two- or three-letter words if the children have not been reading for long. Use four- and five-letter words for more advanced readers.
- 3
  Write out words related to your theme. Omit words that are different lengths than the number of letters you have chosen. Decide how long to make your word list. Ten words is a number children usually can do without frustration. To create a more challenging word puzzle, use more words.
- 4
  Print the puzzle words, written in lowercase letters, spaced evenly on a sheet of lined paper. Draw a box for each letter, extending above or below the line as needed. Check for same-shaped words. Eliminate words with duplicate shapes.
- 5
  Redraw the boxes on a clean sheet of lined paper for even spacing. Place a sheet of unlined paper on top of the lined paper, and trace the shapes onto the unlined paper. Add a list of the words onto the lined paper to make an answer key.
- 6
  Alphabetize the words you have used in your answer key, and write them in order across the top of your unlined puzzle paper. Make duplicates of the puzzle on the unlined paper so everyone has her own word shape puzzle.

Kids Games