How to Create a Word Search!

I have been creating my own word searches for years. I do this whenever I get bored. And because I have been doing this for years, I feel I can offer you the reader advise to make them on your own too!

Items Needed:
Pen
Pencil
Ruler
Graph or Plain Paper

To begin, I suggest deciding which type of paper you would prefer to use. Myself, I prefer graph paper, as it makes it loads easier.

Then you need to think of a theme, and with that comes your word list. I will be sharing with you in this article a word search of my own, its theme "Support our Troops!" If you have trouble with spelling, a dictionary can help you.

After you have created a word list, you then decide upon a shape to put your words into. A square or rectangle are always common. I prefer using my creative abilities, and making my word searches unique. With my "Support our Troops" I made the design a flag.

The next step is placing the words into the word search. This is where I definitely prefer pencil, because sometimes there is a need to erase, when words don't fit into the slots. You can place your words diagonal, backwards, upside down, and in some rare cases, you can do odd shapes with your words. For example, part of the word is downward, then it goes to the left. I have seen this in real published word searches; yes they are far and few between, and yes, it will be more difficult on both the creator and the one searching for the words. You can also make a numerical word search. Personally, when I do this, I like to make math problems, whereas you write down the answer, and that is the numbers you are searching for. This way my kids are practicing math, and having fun at the same time! There are many ways to entertain the person searching for the words, even with hidden codes with the left over letters within the word search! How you spice up your word search, is up to you!

After you have placed your words, or even numbers, you then fill in the left over blank spots with other letters, or numbers, which ever you decided to use.

After you have completed with the filling in the blanks, you then can go over your lettering with pen, so no one can erase what you did. After I do this, I make a copy, and search the words, creating an answer key. I do this, because I more often then not, give my word searches to the Schools my Children go to, to use.

If you want, you can outline the squares in the graph paper, I don't, but some do. This option is up to you. Continuing with your outline, outline your word search shape and last but not least, put your name on it, because YOU made it. YOU get the credit!

If you have a scanner or copier, you make copies and give them to your friends and family! The Teachers will be impressed, especially if you make a word search to go with the homework, or lesson theme.

I have shared with you in this article my own word search. Please feel free to print it. Just please, do not claim it as your own.

If you have any questions, or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me. I will be more then glad to help you in a pinch!