REBUS PUZZLES TO SHARPEN THE MIND
INTRODUCTION
A rebus is an allusion device
that uses pictures to represent words or parts of words Rebus, which Latin
expression signifies "not by words but by things”. The
term rebus also refers to the use of a pictogram to represent
a syllabic sound. This adapts pictograms into phonogram. The writing of
correspondence in rebus form became popular in the 18th century and continued
into the 19th century.
APPROACHES OF REBUS PUZZLES
POSITION
One of the most common devices is the positioning of the words and symbols, both relative to the rectangle containing the puzzle, and to the other words and symbols. In the example MAN is in MOON, so it is the man in the moon. |
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HIGHLIGHTING
Often attention is drawn to some part of the picture, often by an arrow or underlining, indicating that this is where we should be looking for the clue. Here the arrow points to the first AID, and thus the answer is first aid. |
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DIRECTION
Closely related to position is direction. When a word is spelled in any direction other than the usual left-to-right it is generally relevant to the solution. The example illustrates wake up. |
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SIZE
Unusually large or small words or symbols may be used to convey concepts like big, large, small, wide, etc. For example, the rebus puzzle on the right represents big deal. |
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NUMBER
The device of number is frequently exploited, due to the closeness in sound of 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, etc. to other English words. This cryptic example shows 4 GOT 10 HEROES, and so the answer is forgotten heroes. |
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COLOUR
If a word or symbol is not printed in black, then you can expect the colour to be a relevant in the solution. More difficult rebus puzzles may make use of somewhat more obscure colour names like scarlet or beige. In this fairly easy example CHEESE is blue; it is blue cheese. |
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STYLE
The style of the font is sometimes relevant. It might convey such concepts as tall, pretty, thin, slanted, etc. The fat letters in the example here lead the puzzler to conclude that the answer is fat chance. |
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SOUND
Very often rebus puzzles are phonologically cryptic. The sound will not always be exactly like the answer, but it will always be close enough to recognise, as in 1s upon TIME: once upon a time |
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EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
Ø
Rebus puzzles employ the use of pictures or
symbols to represent parts of a word. This adds a unique dynamic to learning
how to read by adding word association imagery to the equation. This adds a
sense of fun to the development of reading comprehension skills that might otherwise
be missing.
Ø
By taking the boredom out of learning to read
younger students may discover their interest in reading stimulated.
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Rebus puzzles can also be used to get over the
hurdle of learning disabilities. Sometimes, a young student may have difficulty
deciphering words he is not familiar.
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A rebus puzzle can provide a link between common
symbols and their corresponding words.
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Sometimes a young student may reach a learning
plateau and it is concepts such as a rebus puzzle that can get them over that
plateau.
CONCLUSION
Clearly,
rebus puzzles have great potential for boosting a child's reading comprehension
level. This is why liberal use of these puzzles is highly recommended!
