The Random Crosswords Activity
The Random Crosswords is a fast-paced activity to encourage collaboration, develop critical thinking and teamwork skills.
Start by getting your hands on a large set of alphabet cards. Place all of these cards face-down onto a table or the floor.
Divide your larger group into smaller teams, two or more teams of 2 to 6 people. Instruct each team to nominate a runner.
To begin, ask each runner to randomly select 9 cards from the pile, and return to their group. Lay all 9 cards in a 3 x 3 grid in front of their team.
If no vowels are present in the grid, a team may turn any one of their nine cards over to become a vowel as nominated by you as facilitator.
When ready, challenge each team to identify as many words as possible using the letters in the grid. Words can only be formed by tracing letters which are situated horizontally, vertically or diagonally next to the letter before it.
Every team has exactly three minutes to create as many words as possible from their grid. Remember, each word can only be formed by tracing a letter horizontally, vertically or diagonally from the letter before it.
The team which forms the most number of words wins that round. You can play two or more rounds, , ensuring you shuffle the letters between each round.
Moment of Reflection
- Were there moments during the rounds that surprised you?
- What helped your group form its list of words?
- What got in the way of thinking creatively?
- Did the pressure of performing within the strict time limit affect your performance?
The topics of this publication: teamwork, cooperation, collaboration, strategy, integration, interactions, critical thinking
