You can make word search to entertain your kids on a rainy day, to help your pupils learn vocabulary, or just to amuse a bored friend. You can be as creative as you want, simply follow the steps outlined in this article to create your own word search.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choose the Words
Step 1. Decide on the theme of your puzzle
This way the word search will look more professional. If you are preparing this game for your children, choose a topic that makes it more understandable. Here are some suggestions: countries, cities, animals, flowers, food and so on.
- If you don't want to choose a specific theme, it's not essential. This is just your personal choice.
- If it is a gift, you can personalize it with words related to the person who will receive it. For example, you can use the names of their relatives or favorite foods as an argument.
Step 2. Choose the words you want to use
If you have considered sticking to a topic, then make sure they respect it. The number of terms depends on the size of the pattern you have prepared. If you use shorter words, you can enter many more. Generally speaking, you need to have 10-20 words to research even if you can create much bigger puzzles.
Here are some examples for an "animal" themed puzzle: dog, cat, monkey, elephant, fox, sloth, horse, jellyfish, donkey, lion, tiger, bear, giraffe, panda, cow, chinchilla, meerkat, dolphin, pig, coyote and so on
Step 3. Check the spelling of the words
This is especially important if you are using foreign terms or country names. An incorrectly written word creates confusion and whoever solves it loses faith in the game.
Method 2 of 3: Prepare the Pattern
Step 1. Leave some space at the top of the page
This way you can add a title to the search words. If you have decided on a specific topic, it can also be the title; alternatively you can simply write "Word Search".
- You can also make the grill on the computer. If you are using a version older than Word 2007: Choose 'View' from the menu at the top of the page. Choose 'Toolbar' and check that the 'Drawing' option is active. Click on 'Trace' (it looks like an 'A' with a cube and a cylinder) and then on 'Table'. A menu will open from which you can choose the type of table; select 'Draw Table' and all the other options you want. Click 'ok' to finish.
- If you use Word 2007: Click on 'Page Layout' found in the menu at the top of the page, then click on 'Align' which is in the 'Arrange' group. Choose 'Grid Settings' and make sure that the 'Draw Grid' option is activated. Choose all the other options you want and click 'ok' to confirm.
Step 2. Draw the pattern by hand
This is the simplest way to create word crossword puzzles, thanks to a squared or blank sheet of paper. Generally the grids are made up of 10x10 squares. Start by drawing a square of 10 cm on each side. Divide each side into 10 segments and draw the grid.
You don't have to use a 10x10 square pattern. You can change the size according to your taste; you can even create letter-shaped grids (perhaps the initial of the person you want to give the puzzle to) or in another interesting form
Step 3. Use a ruler to draw the lines
With a pencil draw very straight lines, so as to form aligned and uniform squares within the diagram. Also in this case the grid can have the dimensions you prefer.
If the game is for a child, consider making larger squares. This makes the puzzle easier, because both the squares and the letters they contain are easier to see. To make the puzzle difficult, draw a very dense pattern
Method 3 of 3: Create the Puzzle
Step 1. Make a list of words
Place it next to the grid and progressively number the terms as desired. Write the words clearly so the person who solves the game will be able to read them.
Step 2. Write all the words within the outline
Put each letter in a box. You can write them vertically, diagonally, horizontally, even backwards. Try to distribute them evenly and be creative. Check that you have entered all the words on your list, it would be very frustrating to search for terms that are not actually present.
Depending on the recipient of the word search, you can write the letters with different sizes. If you want the puzzle to be simpler, then consider writing large letters. If you prefer to add a bit of difficulty, write them small
Step 3. Create a solution
Once you've transcribed all the terms, make a photocopy and highlight all the hidden words, without the other random letters being added to confuse the game. In this way, those who solve the quiz will have a double check to understand if they have correctly identified all the terms (or it could be a help in case they get stuck).
Step 4. Fill in the rest of the white spaces
For this step, you just need to insert random letters to distract the eyes of those who have to solve the puzzle.
Make sure the random letters do not spell out additional words, especially words similar to the game theme, as they will create confusion
Step 5. Make copies
You must provide photocopies if you want to give the puzzle to more than one person.
Advice
- Write all letters in block capitals so as not to give any hints.
- If you don't want to waste time creating the word search by hand or on a document on your computer, there are many websites that do it for you. Simply type 'keyword generator' into your search engine and you will find tons of solutions.
- The letters must be easy to read.
