How to Create a Word Search

Word search puzzles are brain teasers which are a great pastime for the kids. They not only interest the children to a great extent but also serve as a medium of instruction for them. Creating a word search can be fun but should be done keeping the age of the kids in mind. The words can accordingly be easy or difficult. Besides increasing their word power, it will also keep the kids engaged for a pretty long time which is an achievement by itself. Create this word search puzzle on a graph paper and then copy it out onto the computer.

The theme of the puzzle is very important before searching for words. If the kids are really small, then you can stick to farm animals, foods or colors. For older boys and girls, you can keep the theme as vehicles or building structures. Boys will definitely be excited with cars of different kinds or even types of weapons used in warfare namely varieties of guns.
Mark a square on the graph paper which will depict the size of your word search puzzle. Make the square large enough to include a number of words. If you include about 10 words, then it will be good enough for a kid.
You will have made a list of words according to the theme chosen. Include these words in the word search by writing them forwards, backwards, up, down and even sometimes diagonally too.
After you have filled up all the relevant words, now fill in all the empty boxes with random letters from the alphabet. Don’t leave any boxes empty.
Now that the word search puzzle is made on the graph paper, you can copy it out onto the computer. Use any word processing software and select the table option. You will get a grid which will help you fill out the letters from the paper. Remember to select the same number of rows and columns as in the paper.
Copy the puzzle onto the grid. Take care to copy all the letters in the same sequence. After the puzzle is complete, you can type in the answers or the words that you have filled in a little below the grid.

Your kids will certainly enjoy playing this word search puzzle. Try setting a time limit, with the kid who gets it right in the least time getting the prize you have set up. It will make a very interesting game when your kids get together in your house on a rainy day.