Learn Finnish: Body Parts – Picture Crossword for Kids

This crossword brings your child gently into contact with Finnish. The drawings show the hands, feet and ears, and your child says the Finnish word to themselves before setting each letter into the grid. In doing so they practise turning a remembered Finnish word into its correct written form — a lovely warm-up for anyone just starting to learn Finnish. At the crossing points the words meet on a shared letter, and that is exactly where small moments of "oh, it fits!" appear. Take your time, because this puzzle wants to be solved slowly. There is no timer and no score, only your child, the pictures, and the satisfaction of every Finnish word spelled correctly into place, box after careful box.

As they solve, your child looks closely: what are the hands, feet and ears called in Finnish? Then each letter travels neatly into its box. Because the Finnish words cross and help one another, the spelling turns exciting and gets practised along the way. Let your child puzzle and explore at their own pace. The loveliest moment is when the last Finnish word fits the grid exactly. Until then your child may think and try as often as they like — here there is neither a clock nor a single right speed to keep. Finnish builds long words by clicking small pieces together, a bit like adding cars to a train.

Has your child caught the joy of naming and spelling in Finnish? Then keep going! The crosswords about the accessories and the ones with beach things hold fresh pictures, new Finnish words, and new crossings to puzzle over. And once your child is really in the swing of it, there is a whole free collection built around the body parts — free to print or simply to play online. That way learning Finnish stays varied and gives a little fresh pleasure each day, all at your child’s own pace. Have fun discovering, writing, and puzzling together!