SpinEverything

ESL Classroom Activity Toolkit

Word Search

Create custom word search puzzles. Add words and they will be hidden in a grid of letters. Students click and drag to find and highlight the hidden words.

Add Words

Grid Options

Frequently Asked Questions

In which directions can words be hidden?

Words can be placed horizontally, vertically, and diagonally in both forward and backward directions.

Can I print the word search?

Yes, you can print the puzzle directly from your browser or use the print functionality to create physical worksheets.

Is there a maximum number of words?

The number of words depends on the grid size. The tool will let you know if your words cannot all fit in the selected grid.

Can students solve it on a tablet or phone?

Yes, the word search is fully interactive on all devices. Students can tap and drag to select words on touchscreens.

How to Create a Word Search Puzzle

  1. Enter your wordsType the words you want to hide in the puzzle. Each word will be placed in the grid in a random direction.
  2. Adjust the grid sizeChoose a grid size that fits your word list. Larger grids allow longer words and more space between them.
  3. Generate the puzzleClick generate and the tool will automatically place your words in the grid and fill remaining spaces with random letters.
  4. Play or printStudents can solve the puzzle on screen by clicking and dragging to highlight words, or you can print it as a worksheet.

Teaching Tips

  • Stick to a single topic or theme for each word search to reinforce vocabulary from a specific lesson.
  • Include 8-15 words for a balanced difficulty level — too few makes it too easy, too many can be overwhelming.
  • Use the word bank below the grid to help students know which words to look for.
  • For younger learners, use a smaller grid size to reduce complexity and keep the activity manageable.

Classroom Use Cases

  • Vocabulary reinforcement after introducing new terms in a science, history, or language lesson.
  • Spelling practice where students must find correctly spelled words hidden in the grid.
  • Early finisher activities for students who complete their main work ahead of schedule.