An emoji crossword puzzle. The clues are illustrations of different emojis, like sad and glad. You need to guess the emoji and fill in the blank.
Here's a simple but challenging emoji crossword puzzle. Can you guess the emoji and fill in the blank?

Emoji crossword puzzle

Free downloadable PDF

Feel Your Feelings book cover. By Scott Stoll and Sara E. Williams. Published by Magination Press.
This is one of many free activities to accompany our best-selling book, Feel Your Feelings. Young kids really love this one.

Crossword puzzles have always been a favorite among word lovers. Now, I’ve supercharged them with emojis. Emoji crossword puzzles mix the visual fun of emojis with the satisfying challenge of crosswords. It’s a fun way to boost emotional recognition because emojis mirror real life and how we must interpret emotions all around us.

What Is an Emoji Crossword Puzzle?

An emoji crossword puzzle works like a regular crossword, but many (or all) clues are emojis instead of words. Players interpret the emoji clue, write the matching feeling or emotion into the grid, and use crossing letters to confirm answers. These puzzles are playful yet challenging because emojis often have multiple names and interpretations.

This game mirrors real life

How to interpret an emoji or emotional expression

You can coach your child by explaining that this exercise mirrors real life: when we see someone showing emotion, we interpret and respond. For example, if a friend seems sad, try a gentle, open question: “You seem upset — are you okay?” If they confirm they’re sad, follow up with, “Is there anything I can do to help?” If they say they’re fine, you might ask, “How are you feeling?” Use open questions, offer listening, and suggest specific ways to help. If you believe someone is at risk of harming themselves, seek professional help immediately.

An emoji crossword puzzle. The clues are illustrations of different emojis, like sad and glad. You need to guess the emoji and fill in the blank.
Here’s a simple but challenging emoji crossword puzzle.

Benefits

  • Boosts emotional recognition and acceptance. Emotions are our friends.
  • Encourages symbolic thinking (image → word).
  • Builds word awareness and spelling skills.
  • Enhances engagement: emojis feel familiar and inviting.
  • Supports creativity and problem-solving.

How to play / get started

  • Download (below) and print your puzzle.
  • Decipher the emojis — Pause to think: What feeling does it suggest?
  • Check the pattern (word lengths) in the grid—this helps confirm guesses or narrow possibilities.
  • Don’t be afraid to guess — Some answers come more easily through trial and error.
  • Use follow-up discussion prompts (e.g., “When have you felt like this?”) to deepen learning.

Download the free PDF

Download the Emoji Crossword Puzzle​

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This is a printer-friendly, high-res PDF. You’ll get both a color (if available) and a black-and-white version. Each PDF comes with simple instructions. We recommend tracking your progress by putting all your activities into a 3-ring binder.

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