Make your own word search [blank template]

My son loves word searches, so he set out to make his own. Actually, this is what they did at school, as a fun language assignment.

I really liked this idea and decided to make a template. Don’t get me wrong, I prefer kids to ‘make their own’ instead of handing them every tool. But Mr S was asking me to make a word search for him and, judging from his enthusiasm I could sense he would be asking for more.

I’m all for making life a little easier if I can (in a modest sort of way, in a printable sort of way today), so I made my own template.I thought it would be a nice thing to share as more kids (and parents) would like to try.

I choose a theme that my son likes (Pokemon, you guessed correctly) and had fun (more than I would admit) to cram in as many words that I could.

You’ll find the resulting Pokemon word search here. It’s a free printable, so go ahead and make your little Pikachu fan happy! Or occupied. Either way, you win!

Instructions to make your own word search

Right, so here’s you’ll find step by step instructions for making your own word searches. I noticed that there are a few automated versions on the web, but I’m not going to point you there, because they’re simply no fun. They won’t challenge you or your kid. It’s OK to stretch your mind a little, right?

Step 1. Decide on a theme for your word search

I think it’s a nice idea to make your word search around a theme. Choose a theme that catches the interest of your child. For example, characters of his favourite book or cartoon, Middle Ages, astronomy. Or select a theme that you like to expand the vocabulary of your child, for example countries, colours, fruit & veg.

Step 2. Find words associated with the theme

Now that you have chosen a theme it’s time to find words that fit in this theme. Get a piece of paper and take a few minutes to write down as many words as you can think of. Don’t worry too much about their applicability, we’ll do that later. I quite like this part, as it will make you (your kid) sit down and associate words.

If it’s late or you’re a little tired you can cheat on this ‘word association’ website to find words for you. Type in a theme and it will find words for you. But I’m challenging you not to use it ; )

Step 3. Print the free word search template

You’ll find the printable PDF at the end of this page, in Letter and A4 paper size.

(If you don’t have a printer you can use math paper.)

Step 4. Fit large words into the word search template

Have a look at the list of words that you just made. Look for the large words and write them down in the grid – fill in the blanks! Oh, and once you’ve placed a word in the grid, don’t forget to write it down on the dashed lines, so you know which words actually end up in the word search puzzle!

Small tip: cross out words that you’ve already used, so you won’t end up adding duplicates (I forgot this once and ended up with two identical long words – ha ha)

You know what to do, right? Write letters in the grid, one letter per box. This is the time do decide which directions you’d like to use. Are you only going to use horizontal and vertical directions? Forwards and backwards? Will you include diagonal words as well? Be sure to mention this to the puzzel solver.

Step 5. Proceed with smaller words

Proceed with words that are a little shorter, and try to fit them in as well. This is the good bit! Now you can start puzzling and try to fit in words in any way you can, trying to knit words together from letters that you’ve already placed in the grid.

You may have a few words left that you didn’t use. It’s a little frustrating, right? No matter, leave them. You will sleep well tonight regardless.

Finally: Proudly present your word search to the word searcher!

Well, perhaps this is the best bit. Let your kid solve your word search and enjoy your coffee.

Or did you swap word searches with your kid? Even better! (Still enjoy your coffee.)

Have fun!!

Download your free printable word search template

Here it is! Click on the button below to get your blank word search template. Here’s the file in paper size A4:

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And here you’ll find it for Letter sized paper.

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These are PDF files. so you can read and print then using the free Adobe Reader software.

More Printables

I really hope you enjoy the Word Search template! If you’re looking for more free printables, browse my Free Downloads. Or, if you fancy something more elaborate, feel free to browse my little shoppe. You’ll find Pokemon crafts & games, printable masks and travel games!

More resources

Perhaps a little off topic, but very interesting nevertheless is this article that briefly describes the importance of the Brain Atlas.