How the Crossword Puzzle Was Invented and Why Word Games Are Great for Kids

It’s hard to imagine a Sunday newspaper or a phone screen without a crossword puzzle tucked inside. Crosswords have delighted (and stumped) readers of all ages for over a century. But have you ever wondered where they came from and why word games like these are so beneficial for children’s literacy development?

A Brief History of the Crossword Puzzle

The modern crossword puzzle was born in December 1913, thanks to a British journalist named Arthur Wynne. Working at the New York World newspaper, Wynne was asked to come up with a new game for the Sunday fun section. Drawing inspiration from word squares and acrostics, he created a diamond-shaped puzzle he called a “Word-Cross.” It had a simple premise: fill in words based on clues, and the letters would interlock. The puzzle was an instant hit.

By the 1920s, crossword puzzles were a cultural sensation. They appeared in books and newspapers and even inspired songs and stage plays. What began as a novelty quickly became a beloved mental pastime for millions.

Why Word Games Work for Kids

Crosswords and word games aren’t just entertaining but also powerful tools for language and literacy development. Here’s why:

1. Vocabulary Expansion

Word games expose children to new words and challenge them to think about meaning, context, and word structure. This helps deepen their vocabulary, an essential building block of strong reading comprehension.

2. Spelling & Phonemic Awareness

Solving crosswords or playing word scrambles encourages kids to pay close attention to the spelling of words and sound-letter relationships. This boosts phonemic awareness, a key skill in learning to read.

3. Memory & Cognitive Skills

Figuring out clues exercises working memory and promotes mental flexibility. Kids must recall definitions, consider multiple meanings, and make connections, which are important skills in academics and everyday life.

4. Problem Solving & Patience

Unlike fast-paced digital games, puzzles reward persistence. They teach kids to slow down, think critically, and stick with a challenge—skills that translate to the classroom and beyond.

5. Confidence & Joy

There’s real satisfaction in solving a puzzle or mastering a tricky word game. These small victories build confidence, which is especially important for learners struggling with reading or writing.

Making Word Play a Family Habit

At The Reading Foundation, we often encourage families to integrate wordplay into their routines. Whether doing a crossword together, playing Scrabble, or challenging your child to a word search during downtime, these activities offer a fun and low-pressure way to build literacy skills at home.

And best of all? They remind kids (and adults) that language can be playful, curious, and full of discovery.

Final Thought

Arthur Wynne may not have known it at the time, but his little “Word-Cross” sparked more than a trend; it opened the door to a lifetime of wordplay that continues to benefit learners of all ages. So, say yes next time your child asks to play a word game. You’re not just passing the time. You’re building a brain and having fun doing it.

Download our Reading Foundation crossword, start a friendly family competition, and don’t forget to tag us @thereadingfoundation #thereadingfoundation in a photo of your completed puzzle – we’ll be cheering you on!