What happened in our world? February 7th, 2016 is a crossword based on last week's news events. In this week's puzzle… An earthquake in Taiwan. A photo bombing horse. Lassa and Zika virus. Why did Liverpool F.C. fans walk out at the 77th minute mark? Romania cancelled a law that allowed a lower sentence for prisoners who wrote a book. France banned supermarkets from throwing away excess food. Apple responded to criticism about Error 53. These are simple crosswords aiming to make our students talk about what's happening in their world, why it's happening, where, and to whom. As a bonus, there's a crossword on geographical features… In which country is Lake Baikal? Where is Mont Blanc? Mt Etna? Lake Taupo? Prince Edward Island? K2? (If these are so easy to find, can someone please tell me where my stapler is?) Use them in in your home room class, in for subject lessons, in substitution lessons, in lunchtime or after school clubs, in the time-out room, or even in the staffroom.

What happened in our world? December 20th, 2015 is TWO crosswords based on last week's news events. Better for improving spelling than a dictionary. Better for improving handwriting than any app and way better for managing attention-span issues than gummy bears (and let's be honest, there aren't many things better than gummy bears).. These crosswords are good for starting interesting discussions and debates. They can be used for homework activities. Or, in class, allocate students into groups of three, let them use their smartphones, and say very loudly, 'ready, set, go'. Strongly encourage discussion about the clues and the stories behind each one. In this week's puzzles… Ukraine's not paying its gas bill and a Ukraine minister threw water into another Minister's face (what bad role models for Ukraine's children!) Some Russians want a cat as their mayor. Some Brazilians want their football officials sacked. Chelsea sacked Jose. A speed skater cycled around the world in 123 days. (I can only wonder how he cycled across the Pacific and Atlantic.) There was an avalanche in Norway. And finally, FINALLY, at long last... the UN wants peace in Syria. Don't you HATE substituting for an absent colleague when the kids have nothing or not enough to do? Print some of these puzzles and have them in your classroom or in your bag ready for a vibrant class discussion. (Someone, and I'm not saying who, told me she prints the crosswords and does them during staff meetings.) This week's BONUS puzzle is called Authors and asks 'Who wrote this book?' The answers will be with next week's puzzle, so don't forget to come back next Sunday. Thank you for the positive feedback with the previous puzzles. If you have suggestions for the way other teachers can use the puzzles, please post a comment.

What happened in our world? December 13th, 2015 is TWO crosswords based on last week's news events. Good for improving spelling, handwriting, attention-span and good for learning about our world. Good for interesting discussions and debates. Good for a homework activity. Good for a rainy and cold lunchtime activity. Put students into groups of three, let them use their smartphones, and say very loudly, 'ready, set, go'. In this week's puzzles… Women got to vote in Saudi Arabia. Ford announced a big investment in electric cars. Justin Trudeau greeted Syrian refuges arriving in Canada. Did anyone leave their 747 at Kuala Lumpur airport? Russia sent a puppy to France. And almost 200 countries signed a legally binding agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Oh yes, and Australia's former prime minister bought a second-hand fridge off Gumtree. Seriously - it was in the world news and so it should be in this week's crossword puzzle. This crossword is ideal as a research, writing and reading activity. It can be completed individually or in small groups or as a week-long homework activity, or even as a time-out activity. Samsung and Apple spend a fortune convincing our students to use smartphones so now we can make good use of that. Maybe you could start up a lunchtime news and current events club and use these puzzles as starters for conversation topics. Don't you HATE substituting for an absent colleague when the kids have nothing or not enough to do? Print some of these puzzles and have them in your classroom or in your bag ready for a vibrant class discussion. This week's BONUS puzzle is called Where in the world? Where is Uluru? And Machu Picchu? And the Okavango Delta? And the Camino Trail? And Dubrovnik? The answers will be with next week's puzzle, so don't forget to come back next Sunday. Thank you for the positive feedback with the previous puzzles. If you have suggestions for the way other teachers can use the puzzles, please post a comment.

What happened in our world? January 10th, 2016 is THREE crosswords based on last week's news events. In this week's puzzles… North Korea detonated a hydrogen bomb (or did they?) A dog in South Africa was awarded a medal and dogs in New York had a concert performed just for them, and someone tried to kidnap one of Barack Obama's two dogs. Or would that have been a dognap? But a catnap is… Twitter shares crashed, Huawei's revenue almost doubled, Coca Cola angered Russians and Ukrainians, and did Volkswagen's sales go up or down? Some Russians were stuck in the snow and a Russian doctor is stuck in court. Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano erupted, an Indian boy scored 1009 runs in a cricket game, and Tim Winton had a whole fish species named after him. This week's puzzles include the answer key to last week's Mathematics crossword. The document is a simple PDF so it is quick to download and print for your class (and the solutions are included). This activity is suitable for middle and high school students and will encourage students to discuss and learn about their world's current events. These crosswords are ideal as a research, writing and reading activity. They can be completed individually or in small groups or as week-long homework activities, or even as a time-out activity. They are an excellent excuse for students to make good use of their smartphones. Maybe you could start up a lunchtime news and current events club and use these puzzles as starters for conversation topics. Don't you HATE substituting for an absent colleague when the kids have nothing or not enough to do? Print these puzzles and have them in your classroom or in your bag ready for a vibrant class discussion. Don't forget to come back next Sunday evening for next week's 'What happened in our world?' puzzles.

What happened in our world? May 22nd, 2016 is a crossword based on last week's news events. It's low-calorie, high-fibre, high-interest, and nothing at all to do with SATs or Brexit. In this week's puzzle… This week... An earthquake rattled Australia’s Northern Territory, an Aussie teenager reached the top of Mt Everest and Mt Something Else erupted in Indonesia. Killing bulls was outlawed in some Spanish towns, Barcelona’s footy fans are allowed to wave the Catalan flag - if they want to - and Manchester United is probably waving goodbye to Louis. Naughty Nick overheated in the tennis again, as did some Indians when their temperature hit 51C. The World Bank set aside $500 million for pandemics. Brazil’s Zika is now in Africa and Africa’s Nile crocodile is being nasty in Florida’s Everglades while tarantulas were nasty in a plane going to Canada. Cyprus and Austria held elections. Seriously… this is not a crossword you want to miss out on (or deny your students the pleasure of). These are simple crosswords aiming to encourage our students to ask about what's happening in their world - Why did it happen and where? And most importantly, who are the people affected? As a bonus, there's a crossword asking students to name some of the elements in the periodic table. (If that's too boring, download last week's file because the bonus puzzle last week was a bit of fun with fruit and veggies). Use the crosswords in your home-room class, in subject lessons, in substitution lessons, in lunchtime or after school clubs, in the time-out room, or even in the staffroom (during a staff meeting if you dare). Keep the comments coming in - we love to hear how the crosswords are being enjoyed by you and your students.

What happened in our world? June 6th, 2016 is a crossword based on last week's news events. It's a pdf document so it's simple and quick to download and print. And the answers are included in the same file. In this week's puzzle… Novak beat Murray and Garbine beat Serena in France. Japanese officials raided Suzuki. Mitsubishi apologised for using Chinese workers in wartime. The Tokyo Governor apologised for lavish spending. And the lost Japanese boy was found safe and well. A huge storm attacked Australia's east coast and sharks attacked the west coast. Where should Nikola Tesla's remains be held? (It's a 'current' and 'alternating' debate in Serbia.) A monkey robbed a jewellery store in India and a Delhi hospital was busted for a kidney transplant racket. A concert in Germany was cancelled because of bad weather and the Seine rose 6.5 metres above normal. (By the way, if you dip your feet in the Seine and then take them out, were you temporarily insane?) These are simple crosswords aiming to encourage our students to ask about what's happening in their world. Why did it happen and where? And most importantly, who are the people affected? Use the crossword in your home-room class, in subject lessons, in substitution lessons, in lunchtime or after school clubs, in the time-out room, or even in the staffroom (during a staff meeting if you dare). You can 'follow' us to receive an email when a new puzzle is uploaded. But you can also just check every Sunday night or Monday morning.

What happened in our world? May 8th, 2016 is a crossword based on last week's news events. In this week's puzzle… a devastating forest fire in Canada, a new free-diving record, Helen Clark for the next UN boss, 50 Australian plant and animal species added to the threatened list, the Russian mafia in Spain, a failed plot to kill a king, Zimbabwe prints its own US dollars, an early summer school holiday in Delhi because of the heatwave, a plane was delayed because a passenger thought an economics professor's differential equations meant he was a terrorist, and North Korea's Supreme Leader said his country won't use nuclear weapons… unless… (but nothing about Donald Trump though). As a bonus, there's a crossword asking students to match things, teams, and cities with countries. These are simple crosswords aiming to encourage our students ask about what's happening in their world - what happened in the world? Why did it happen and where? And most importantly, who are the people affected? Use the crosswords in your home-room class, in subject lessons, in substitution lessons, in lunchtime or after school clubs, in the time-out room, or even in the staffroom (or even in a staff meeting if you dare). Keep the comments coming in - we love to hear how the crosswords are being used by you and your students.

What happened in our world? May 29th, 2016 is a crossword based on last week's news events. It's a pdf document so it's simple and quick to download and print. And the answers are included in the same file. In this week's puzzle… Real Madrid won the Champions League and the World Cup for non-recognised states kicked off in Abkhazia. A Chinese firm apologised for their racist laundry detergent TV advertisement and Pakistan banned all TV advertising for contraceptives. The Dutch government considered banning mobile phone use while riding bicycles while the Zimbabwe government pardoned and released 2000 prisoners. President Obama visited Hiroshima and a German politician copped a chocolate cake in the face (which may have been delicious - er, the cake not the face). The headmaster and teachers were evacuated from a remote town in Australia because of naughty kids and a big earthquake shook up Western Australia. Donkeys have to wear nappies in a town in north-east Kenya and a crow flew off with a knife - taken from a crime scene in Vancouver. Yes, I know, a lot happened around the world last week! Oh, and the ultimate DIY project was finally finished... they added a spare room onto the space station for when visitors call in. These are simple crosswords aiming to encourage our students to ask about what's happening in their world. Why did it happen and where? And most importantly, who are the people affected? As a bonus this week, there's a crossword asking students to name some capital cities because it's not enough know to what's happening in the world… we should also know where it's happening. Teachers can stash this crossword away for a rainy day. It's a sneaky little activity that lets them use their smartphones. Use the crosswords in your home-room class, in subject lessons, in substitution lessons, in lunchtime or after school clubs, in the time-out room, or even in the staffroom (during a staff meeting if you dare). Keep the comments coming in - we love to hear how the crosswords are being enjoyed by you and your students.

What happened in our world? February 28th, 2016 is a crossword based on last week's news events. In this week's puzzle… Japan's population fell. The Cambodian's spent $40,000 building a toilet for a visiting princess. It wasn't used. Most rural Cambodian homes don't have any toilets. Croatia and Slovenia set limits on the number of refugees being admitted. While a drought scorched Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe ate cake. The Nigerian government found more than 20,000 people on it's payroll - oh wait, names only. The people don't exist. The Indian government's budget aimed to boost farm incomes and alleviate rural poverty. Members of the New Zealand public did a crowd-funding thing and bought a pristine beach for about 2 million dollars and then gifted it to the government so it can be added into a national park. A naughty little Australian boy had his hand stuck in a vending machine for about 5 hours. And finally, a ceasefire (perhaps better described as a reduction in fighting) was declared in Syria. These are simple crosswords aiming to make our students talk about what's happening in their world, why it's happening, where, and to whom. As a bonus, there's a crossword identifying some good books and their authors. Use the crosswords in your home room class, in subject lessons, in substitution lessons, in lunchtime or after school clubs, in the time-out room, or even in the staffroom (or even in a staff meeting if you dare). I'm sorry for not uploading a crossword on February 14th. No I wasn't 'otherwise engaged' on Valentine's Day. It was a small matter of malaria and hospital. Hopefully, we're back on schedule...

What happened in our world? April 24th, 2016 is a crossword based on last week's news events. In this week's puzzle… Gazza, the New Zealand police dog was shot and killed. A 400 year old silk dress was found in a ship wreck. A 4500 year old mummy was found somewhere else (no, it probably wasn't her dress). There's a drought in India where the Kohinoor diamond was not stolen from (according to a court ruling). China has blocked iTunes and iBooks. The world's first Pastafarian wedding took place on a pirate ship (of course). Novak and Serena won awards for being the best. An Italian mafia boss was arrested by detectives who were pretending to be pizza delivery boys. Two boys are in trouble in Switzerland for not shaking hands with their teacher. And a solar powered plane flew across the Pacific Ocean in 50-something hours (imagine sitting in economy class for that long). As a bonus, there's a crossword asking students to match some people to their chosen sport. Don Bradman played…? Serena Williams plays…? And what's Arsene Wenger all about? These are simple crosswords aiming to make our students talk about what's happening in their world, why it's happening, to whom - and where? Use the crosswords in your home-room class, in subject lessons, in substitution lessons, in lunchtime or after school clubs, in the time-out room, or even in the staffroom (or even in a staff meeting if you dare). Keep the comments coming in - we love to hear how the crosswords are being used by you and your students.

What happened in our world? February 14th, 2016 is a crossword based on last week's news events. In this week's puzzle… An earthquake in New Zealand. Pakistan tried to ban St Valentine's Day. Cuba returned a missile - no crisis though. A Spanish civil servant didn't show up for work, for six years. The Europeans are investigating the 500 Euro note. And 150,000 penguins were killed by an ice berg. Nothing this week about Donald Trump though. These are simple crosswords aiming to make our students talk about what's happening in their world, why it's happening, where, and to whom. As a bonus, there's a crossword. Name the country in which these cities are. (Or perhaps teachers could think of it as summer holiday planning.) Use them in in your home room class, in for subject lessons, in substitution lessons, in lunchtime or after school clubs, in the time-out room, or even in the staffroom.

What happened in our world? June 12th, 2016 is a crossword based on last week's news events. It's low-calorie, high-fibre, high-interest, and nothing at all to do Donald Trump. In this week's puzzle… A new tourist attraction was discovered in Cambodia. UEFA threatened to disqualify England and Russia because of their fans' bad behaviour. Solar Impulse flew over New York - at night. THere was bad flooding in the UK. Someone paid $3.5 million to have dinner with Warren Buffett (would that be an all-you-can-eat dinner?) Batemans Bay (with an e) was overrun with bats. Germany's president resigned. Facebook's founder had his Twitter account hacked. Walmart in Canada will stop accepting Visa. And most people in Europe and the US can't see The Milky Way because of light pollution (anyway, many of them think it's just a chocolate bar). Oh and ABBA performed again. (Your kids won't know who ABBA is so take a CD along to class. Or Youtube them on the big screen and call it Technology in the Classroom). These are simple crosswords aiming to encourage our students to ask about what's happening in their world - Why did it happen and where? And most importantly, who are the people affected? Who was affected by ABBA? Who wasn't! As a bonus, there's a crossword asking students about fruit and veggies. You may have to take some of these along to class too. Use the crosswords in your home-room class, in subject lessons, in substitution lessons, in lunchtime or after school clubs, in the time-out room, or even in the staffroom (during a staff meeting if you dare). Keep the comments coming in - we love to hear how the crosswords are being enjoyed by you and your students.

What happened in our world? January 3rd, 2016 is TWO crosswords based on last week's news events. In this week's puzzles… Guinea was declared Ebola-free. Belgium cancelled New Year's Eve celebrations. An LA man shot his wife and two others in a dispute about a washing machine and Barack Obama announced plans to increase gun controls. The UK government created a huge marine reserve around Ascension Island. UK primary school are to be tested on their times tables up to 12 x 12. An Air India plane returned to Mumbai - rats! Star Wars won the money. A huge squid swam into a Japanese harbour and there was wild weather in the US, UK, South America, Tonga, and it rained in Abu Dhabi - twice! And just like on the infomercials, there's MORE. There's a bonus crossword puzzle that asks 'Can we do Maths with a crossword?' The document is a simple PDF so it is quick to download and print for your class (and the solution is included). This activity is suitable for middle and high school students and will encourage students to discuss and learn about their world's current events. These crosswords are ideal as a research, writing and reading activity. They can be completed individually or in small groups or as week-long homework activities, or even as a time-out activity. They are an excellent excuse for students to make good use of their smartphones. Maybe you could start up a lunchtime news and current events club and use these puzzles as starters for conversation topics. Don't you HATE substituting for an absent colleague when the kids have nothing or not enough to do? Print these puzzles and have them in your classroom or in your bag ready for a vibrant class discussion. Don't forget to come back next Sunday evening for next week's 'What happened in our world?' puzzle.

What happened in our world? January 17th, 2016 is two crosswords based on last week's news events. Why would anyone want to kiss a python? In this week's puzzles… Because North Korea detonated a hydrogen bomb (maybe) three famous snowboarders canceled their trip to North Korea. A Chinese tourist who tried to kiss a python was bitten on the nose. Phuket (that's where she was, not what she said.) Azerbaijan's government cancelled the tax increase on bread. Let them eat cake, history said. Venezuela's government declared a state of economic emergency. VW reported an in increase in sales, but then again, they said things about their cars' emissions too. Iranians can export oil to the EU now and send money by SWIFT. The Ballon d'Or got messy, or vice versa. A rapper was expelled from South Africa, not because they don't like rap, but because of immigration issues. Norway's government told those refugees who cycled across the Arctic border from Russia to backpedal. And the rock icon David Bowie died. Crosswords aren't just for word nerds. This week there's a BONUS puzzle for Maths teachers (or for teachers who have to substitute for a Maths colleague who's taking a sickie). To coerce you to come back again next week, the answers to the Maths crossword will be attached to next week's document. The whole document is a simple PDF so it is quick to download and print for your class (and the solutions are included). This activity is suitable for middle and high school students and will encourage discussion about the world's events, whether they are economic, social, political, geographical, or just plain silly (why would anyone want to kiss a python?) These crosswords are ideal as a research, writing and reading activity. They can be completed individually or in small groups or as week-long homework activities, or even as a time-out activity. They are an excellent excuse for students to make good use of their smartphones. Maybe you could start up a lunchtime news and current events club and use these puzzles as starters for conversation topics. If you have students whose handwriting is messy… make them do crosswords because they force kids to write clearly, carefully and therefore neatly. Or (but it could also be And…) use them in the staffroom to keep the smarties quiet for a while. Peace at last! Don't you HATE substituting for an absent colleague when the kids have nothing or not enough to do? Print these puzzles and have them in your classroom or in your bag ready for a vibrant class discussion. Don't forget to come back next Sunday evening for next week's 'What happened in our world?' puzzles.

What happened in our world? October 4th, 2015 is a crossword based on last week's news events. It is a simple PDF so it is quick to download and print for your class. (The solution is included.) This activity sheet is suitable for middle and high school students. It will encourage students to learn about their world's current events. What happened near Guatemala City? What did the Prime Minister of New Zealand say about the UN Security Council? What did Russia and Estonia swap? And which city made it an offence to drop cigarette butts in the street? This crossword is ideal as a Monday morning writing and reading activity, individually or in small groups, as a week long homework research activity, even as a time-out activity. (Give them a positive reason to use their smart-phones in class.) The puzzle can also be used as a staff activity. Ideal for Language and Social Studies classes, this week's resource includes a BONUS puzzle called 'Who wrote this book?' Who wrote Don Quixote? Who wrote Treasure Island? This bonus puzzle can be used when substituting for another teacher. Don't forget to come back next Sunday evening for next week's 'What happened in our world?' puzzle.

What happened in our world? October 11th, 2015 is a crossword based on last week's news events. It is a simple PDF so it is quick to download and print for your class. (The solution is included.) This activity sheet is suitable for middle and high school students. It will encourage students to learn about their world's current events. What did Naughty Nick Kyrgios (the tennis player) do in the Japan Open? What did the angry Air France workers do to their bosses? (No! Teachers should not do this, even if they're angry.) Who won the Nobel Prize for Physics? And what was John West accused of doing (again)? This crossword is ideal as a Monday morning writing and reading activity, individually or in small groups, as a week long homework research activity, even as a time-out activity. Samsung and Apple spend a fortune convincing our students to use smartphones so we teachers don't stand a chance! Here though is something more educational than Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja for the students to use their smartphones for. Ideal for Language and Social Studies classes, this week's resource includes a BONUS puzzle called 'In what country am I if I am standing on or in...?' Lake Van? The Seine? Madison Square Garden? Mt Ruapehu? The Atlas Mountains? It's quick and simple. By the way, crosswords are a good way for children to practise writing neatly. Don't forget to come back next Sunday evening for next week's 'What happened in our world?' puzzle - ready and waiting for Monday morning.

What happened in our world? is a crossword based on last week's news events. It is a simple PDF so is quick to download and print for your class. (The solution is included.) This activity sheet is suitable for middle and high school students. It will encourage students to learn about their world's current events. What happened in Europe? Who visited the US? What did the Dalai Lama say? Who did the Thai police arrest? This crossword is ideal as a morning form-class activity, individually or in small groups, as a homework activity, even as a time-out activity. (Give them positive reason to use their smart-phones.) Ideal for Geography and even Economics classes, this week's activity sheet includes a BONUS puzzle called 'What country?' asking what country is most associated with the clues' contents. Bagpipes = Scotland, but The Okavango Delta? Baklava? Tintin? This bonus puzzle can be used when substituting for another teacher. Don't forget to come back on Sunday evening for next week's 'What happened in our world?' puzzle.

What happened in our world? October 18th, 2015 is a crossword based on last week's news events. It is a simple PDF so it is quick to download and print for your class. (The solution is included.) This activity sheet is suitable for middle and high school students. It will encourage students to learn about their world's current events. In this week's puzzle... Typhoon Koppu, the UK man who cut off his ears to make himself look more like his five pet parrots (really!), Barbie dolls, The Man Booker Prize, heavy rainfall in California, the 5.9 earthquake in Argentina, what did Nick Kyrgios do last week? And more. This crossword is ideal as a Monday morning writing and reading activity, individually or in small groups, as a week-long homework research activity, even as a time-out activity. Samsung and Apple spend a fortune convincing our students to use smartphones so we teachers don't stand a chance! Here though is something more educational than Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja for the students to use their smartphones for. Don't you HATE substituting for an absent colleague and the kids have nothing or not enough to do? Print some of these puzzles and have them in your classroom or in your bag ready. Maybe you could start up a lunchtime current events club and use these puzzles as starters for conversation topics. This week's BONUS puzzle simply reworks the same clues with a different grid and different answers. Have the students do the bonus puzzle later in the week as a 'what did you remember?' activity. Don't forget to come back next Sunday evening for next week's 'What happened in our world?' puzzle - ready and waiting for Monday morning.

What happened in our world? January 31st, 2016 is THREE crosswords based on last week's news events. In this week's puzzles… A vulture from an Israeli nature reserve was captured and detained in Lebanon on suspicion of spying, but was later found not guilty and released. According to the World Health Organisation, there are now 41 million obese children aged under five. McDonald’s announced that it will add french fries smothered in chocolate sauce to its menu in Japan. UNICEF warned that about 25,000 North Korean children need immediate treatment for malnutrition. And at long last… negotiations aiming to find a solution to the Syrian civil war began in Geneva. These are simple crosswords aiming to make our students talk about what's happening in their world, why it's happening, where, and to whom. Use them in in your home room class, in for subject lessons, in substitution lessons, in lunchtime or after school clubs, in the time-out room, or even in the staffroom.

What happened in our world? November 29th, 2015 is TWO crosswords based on last week's news events. The document is a simple PDF so it is quick to download and print for your class (and the solution is included). This activity is suitable for middle and high school students and will encourage students to discuss and learn about their world's current events. In this week's puzzles… Where was Pope Francis last week? What did Belgians do during their capital city's lockdown? Why did seven men sew their mouths shut? More than a year's worth of what fell in Qatar in just a few hours? Why did the Zagreb goal keeper not play against Arsenal? What was the story with the gigantic gingerbread house in San Francisco? And that red panda that escaped from the California zoo… eureka! It was found. This crossword is ideal as a research, writing and reading activity. It can be completed individually or in small groups or as a week-long homework activity, or even as a time-out activity. Samsung and Apple spend a fortune convincing our students to use smartphones so now we can make good use of that. Maybe you could start up a lunchtime news and current events club and use these puzzles as starters for conversation topics. Don't you HATE substituting for an absent colleague when the kids have nothing or not enough to do? Print some of these puzzles and have them in your classroom or in your bag ready for a vibrant class discussion. Don't forget to come back next Sunday evening for next week's 'What happened in our world?' puzzle - ready and waiting for Monday morning.