Here are two fun printable
Christmas brain teasers for older students and adults. Please see my Cryptogram Basics below if you're not familiar with solving these fun puzzlers. Otherwise, let's get started!
A well-known Christmas song is the inspiration for this interesting quotation. See the printable page which contains both puzzles, or read the text here:
BOXYCC DY AGHY TZFNCWAGC GO LTTGCNLO WL CZGFY LBF
PXYCCNOJC, GXX WZY COLD NO GXGCHG DLO’W AGHY NW
‘DZNWY.’ ---PNOU TFLCPM (1904-1977)
Think about all the interesting fictional characters that are part of the Christmas season as you decode this list. Use the printable page, which contains both puzzles shown above, or work from the text shown here:
You can get both of these Christmas cryptograms here.
Cryptogram Basics
In any type of standard cryptogram puzzle, one letter of the alphabet is substituted with another letter. The same substitution is used throughout a single puzzle.
When you're solving cryptograms, remember that if A = Z, it will always equal Z in that puzzle. But you should not assume that Z = A. It probably does not. Each of these puzzles uses a different code.
If you'd like more information, please read these cryptogram tips.
Holiday Word Scramble - Spellers of all ages are sure to enjoy solving this "Happy Holidays" word scramble puzzle!
Letter to Santa - Find all the mistakes in Bobby's heartfelt letter to Santa Claus in this free Christmas worksheet.
Christmas Word Searches - Two very non-traditional word search puzzles that you're sure to love. Look closely for special words hidden inside Christmas stockings. The first puzzle, you'll try to find out how many times STOCKING is spelled. In the second, you'll do the same for TOYS. These puzzles are a bit tricky, and oh, so much fun!
The Birth of Jesus Crossword - Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with this engaging crossword puzzle. The clues come from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament.
You may also be interested in our Christmas bulletin board ideas.
We have lots of brain teasers that you can use any time of year, at Level One (easier) and Level Two (more difficult). Here is a small sample:
12 Free Brain Teasers with answers right on the web. Quick-thinking spelling word play exercises that are fun for all ages. Complete word transformations and more! Level 1
Mystery Words -
Printable worksheets, especially for kids. They'll need to carefully
read the directions, use critical thinking skills and spelling skills
to find the mystery words. Fun and challenging! Level 1
Brain Teaser
Questions and Answers - Quick word transformations,
brainstorming and word play challenges - Level 2
The Message & Reply - Two REALLY
difficult letters with hidden messages. Good spelling skills are the
key to uncovering them! Level 2
101 Word Play Puzzlers Discover the FUN of letters & words as you solve each unique puzzle. Great vocabulary & spelling practice!
300 Spelling Bee Words by Grade Level, with definitions, sentences and languages
Spelling Bee Toolboxes for Grades 3/5 and 6/8 All the resources you need for a successful bee!
Mammoth Spelling Bee Word Lists with sentences, definitions, and languages
Monumental Spelling Bee Word Lists with definitions, sentences and languages
Young Spellers Spelling Bee Word List for Grades 1 & 2
100 Difficult Spelling Bee Words, Definitions & Sentences My toughest lists, for upper grades and adults!
600 Spelling Bee Words & Sentences for Gr 3/5 & 6/8 Extra words & sentences at two levels
AnyWord Spelling Practice Series Worksheets, games & prompts that work with almost ANY spelling words!
Fun Spelling Worksheets for Grades 1/2 50 All-new reproducible pages for early learners!