Linkage is a word-grouping puzzle where pupils sort 16 words into four hidden groups and work out what links each one. It is a brilliant way to get a class to make connections between words — spot the connection, justify their groups, and build vocabulary. Play it on the whiteboard or let pupils join on their devices. Use a ready-made pack, generate your own from any topic, or write your own groups. Free.
What is a connections / word-grouping game?
Sixteen words sit in a grid under four hidden groups of four. Pupils find the connection between words and sort them into the right groups — a great thinking and vocabulary starter.
How do I make my own connections puzzle?
Pick a ready-made pack, generate a puzzle from any topic, or type your own four groups of four words. Then play it on the whiteboard or send pupils a join code to make connections on their own devices.
Can pupils play on their own devices?
Yes — choose “Pupils join on devices” and they join with a code to group the words and find the connections themselves.
What can I make a connections game about?
Any subject — vocabulary, spelling families, topic key words, synonyms, maths terms, historical events — anything where words connect into groups.
Is it free?
Yes — ready-made packs and writing your own are free. Generating a puzzle from a topic is part of Sage Teachers Pro.
Like games pupils join on their own devices? Scattergories is a live categories race, and GeoSpotter turns satellite maps into a whole-class guessing game. For another word-thinking starter, try Word Ladder.