1. Choose a theme
Open Learn & Play and choose a category, then a theme. Use the arrows or swipe through the theme cards. The selected theme determines the picture words and the matching puzzle below.
2. Meet the words
Look at the picture and read the word and explanation together. Select Listen to hear the word, and use Next word or Previous to browse the cards. Voice availability and pronunciation depend on your browser and device; try a different English voice if needed.
For younger learners, say each word aloud and find its first letter before starting the puzzle. You can go through the cards again at any time.
3. Start the word hunt
Scroll to Word Search Adventure and press Start. The timer begins when the puzzle starts. Find words from left to right or from top to bottom, following the directions shown for that puzzle.
- With a mouse, drag from the first letter to the last letter.
- On a touchscreen, tap the first letter and then the last letter of a word.
- Correct words are marked in the grid and the word list.
- Use Hint after starting if you need help finding a word’s beginning.
- New puzzle makes a new arrangement. Use it when you are ready to start again.
The timer is optional encouragement, not a target to beat. Take breaks and work together when that feels more enjoyable.
4. Print or save the worksheet
In Print & Learn, choose US Letter or A4. Turn on Include answer key if you want a solution page. Print worksheet opens your browser’s print options; Download PDF saves a printable version. Check your printer settings and preview before printing.
Make a puzzle with your own words
In Word Search Maker, enter a title and 2–12 different English words. Each word should have 2–12 letters. Put one word on each line or separate words with commas. The maker uses A–Z letters, removes spaces and hyphens, and includes repeated words only once.
Select Create puzzle, then Start to play. A custom puzzle is not saved as a permanent online page. Download the PDF before refreshing or closing the page if you want to keep it. Use topic words rather than children’s names or other personal information.
A note for families and classrooms
Choose a small set of familiar words first. Read the words together, then let the child search independently or with a partner. After the puzzle, invite them to use one of the words in a sentence or draw a picture of it.
If something does not work, send us a short description of the problem and the browser you used.