Learn French: Desserts and Sweets – Picture Crossword for Kids

This crossword brings your child gently into contact with French. The drawings show the cupcakes, lollipops and pies, and your child says the French word to themselves before setting each letter into the grid. In doing so they practise turning a remembered French word into its correct written form — a lovely warm-up for anyone just starting to learn French. 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 French word spelled correctly into place, box after careful box.

As they solve, your child looks closely: what are the cupcakes, lollipops and pies called in French? Then each letter travels neatly into its box. Because the French 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 French 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. French has a playful habit — some letters are written down but stay completely silent when you say the word.

Has your child caught the joy of naming and spelling in French? Then keep going! The crosswords about the furniture and the ones with pets hold fresh pictures, new French 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 sweet treats — free to print or simply to play online. That way learning French stays varied and gives a little fresh pleasure each day, all at your child’s own pace. Have fun discovering, writing, and puzzling together!