Terminology Crossword Puzzle

Even though it's January, I've started making plans for my summer camps this summer. Each year I put together at least one new camp so in addition to planning it out, I have activities and games to make.  One idea that I thought I would do this year was make an outdoor crossword board.  I wanted it to be oversized and to quiz some of the common terminology we are working on in lessons.

So, here's what I did...

I went to my local hardware store and purchased a piece of plywood 2' x 2', 4 one foot squares of ceramic tile and a container or pre-mixed grout.  The grout was the most expensive at about $8.00 for the container. All in all the entire amount was less than $20. 

Now keep in mind, I have never tiled before, but I've seen a few home improvement shows, so I was pretty sure I could handle this!  After applying grout over the entire piece of plywood, I laid the tile down evenly and let it dry for about 36 hours. 
The grout suggested 24-48 and 36 seemed a good compromise!

Then I started applying the grout between the small tiles.  I thought I would be smart and put grout in a baggie, cut a small piece off the corner and squeeze small even lines where all the grout should go.  It worked great....for about 4 small squares!  Then it started oozing out all over my hand and made quite a mess!  Well, deciding that if it was going to be a mess, I might as well make it a controlled mess so I used my fingers!  It worked great! 


I applied grout to about 1/2 a square and then used a wet sponge to wipe the excess off the top. Leaving it too long without wiping it may result in dried grout all over the top.  NOT what I wanted to happen!

Here's a look at the result!  Once it was dry...about 4 hours later...I made sure it was completely clean and then I added number stickers to match the "plan" I had put together for the words and clues.

As you can see, I laid it out on paper making sure to use only 12 squares each way.  In fact, as I was putting it together, one of my students came to a lesson and his mom spent the lesson time helping me put it together!  Thanks, Beth!

Once that was complete I needed to make the letters.  Since I have a die-cut machine, I was able to quickly whip up all the letters I needed as well as a few extras in case a letter should get lost.

Here's a look at the way the crossword puzzle will look once it's completed.   I think it came out great and I know the kids will have a great time trying to figure out the words that go with the clues!  It is slightly heavy, but it stores easily standing up.  All of the letters fit easily in a snack-size baggie.  I didn't add anything to the edges but may ask my husband to add wood.  For now though, it will work just fine!
 
Now on to the next project!!