Printable Word Search for Kids

Word searches (also known as "word search puzzles") are a fun way for kids to pass the time. When kids are bored or a rainy day, or when travelling on a long journey, such as a plane or train trip, word searches can keep your kids busy. However, it would be wrong to regard these puzzles as simply a method of passing time - they can have educational benefits too - these is because in order to solve these puzzles, kids must pay close attention to the words being used and their exact spelling.

If you're not familiar with this type of puzzle, here's how they work:

1. An array of letters, arranged in rows and columns like a grid, is printed on a piece of paper. The array is usually square or rectangular, although sometimes you may encounter other shapes, such as a Christmas Tree shape used for a Christmas themed puzzle.

2. Hidden within the array are various words, each word following a straight line, but at any possible orientation (left to right, right to left, downwards, upwards, or any diagonal direction). The words can also overlap and intersect, and some letters in the array aren't actually part of the words, but are just there to make the player's task harder.

3. The player's task, as the name of the game implies, is to search for, and find these words. The player's should circle each word that they find.

You can of course buy books preprinted with word search puzzles. While some of these books are very good, the disadvantage is of course you can't choose what words should appear in the puzzle. Another idea is to use your computer - with word search maker software, you can easily create your own puzzles - that way you can choose words appropriate for the age level of your children (perhaps even choose the words they need to learn for school spelling), and tailor the puzzles too (for example by avoiding difficult diagonal words if creating puzzles for younger kids).

By S. Tanna. Printable Word Search for Kids - Create your own word search software at http://www.wordsearchprinter.com/

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