Word Search
About this activity
Builds a custom word search from any word list — weekly spellings, topic vocabulary or names. Difficulty presets scale from a small grid with forward-only words up to dense grids with words running in all eight directions, and you control the grid size, allowed directions and the leftover fill letters. Near-miss red herring words stretch confident spellers, and a Show Solution toggle prints a marked answer copy. Finding a word letter by letter is quiet, repeatable spelling practice.
Word Search Premade Templates
Browse our collection of ready-to-print word search puzzles.
WH Words Word Search Puzzles
Three differentiated WH digraph word searches: general WH words, question words, and action/sound vocabulary.
Added: 2026-03-21
Buy on TPTDays of the Week Word Search
Engaging Days of the Week word search puzzles to help students learn day name spelling.
Added: 2025-12-18
Buy on TPTWord Search Activity Guide
Make a printable word search from any word list — this week's spellings, topic vocabulary, or a themed puzzle for a party or the classroom.
When to use it
- Turn this week's spelling list into a word search — finding a word letter by letter is an alternative way to practise spelling.
- Build topic vocabulary puzzles: numbers, days of the week, a seasons puzzle, or science key words.
Setting it up
- Type your words into the Words box, then pick a difficulty preset: Level 1 uses a small grid and simple directions, higher levels add diagonals and backwards words.
- Adjust the grid width and height if a word doesn't fit, and choose which directions words can run.
- Fill characters control the leftover letters: A-Z is standard, using exclusively vowels or consonants makes spotting words easier for younger children.
Printing and answer keys
- Print once for the puzzle, then switch on Show Solution and print again for a marked answer copy.
- No printer? The word search works on a tablet screen too. Save as a pdf and let children find and circle words with a finger or stylus in an app of your choice.
Tips for a better puzzle
- Fewer, longer words make a more satisfying wordsearch than many short ones.
- Add red herrings (near-miss words that almost match) to stretch confident spellers.
- Hide the word list and show only directions for a harder challenge.
