How to Make Your Own Word Search Crossword

The word search crossword is a new puzzle combining two puzzle types.

Creating word searches and crossword puzzles can be a fun and enjoyable hobby for any individual to perform. You can challenge your friends or family with one, or try submitting one to the local newspaper. Word puzzles also happen to be excellent educational resources, as students feel compelled to complete them in a timely manner. Of course, the combination of a word search and crossword will make these puzzles much more challenging. Word search crosswords take the format of a word search puzzle, but the participant must find the words using hints that are similar to crossword puzzle clues.

Things You'll Need

• Word processor
• Printer

Instructions

Prepare

1. Decide on a topic. Brainstorm three different types of subjects that you feel would do well. These subjects should relate to the main subject being covered in school if you are planning to use the puzzles with students.

2. Brainstorm a list. Create a large list of potential words. These must relate to the main subject you previously selected.

3. Eliminate excess words. Refrain from having more than ten words for each puzzle you create, as this will make the puzzle harder to complete.

Rough Draft

1. Write the words down on paper. Write them diagonally, horizontally, and vertically. Space them out appropriately so other words and letters can go in between.

2. Fill the remaining areas out. Fill them with words only. The more words you manage to fit, the harder the puzzle will become.

3. Write the hints. Write short and to-the-point hints at the bottom of the page for each of the words you have selected to hide in the puzzle. Do not list the word, but just hints, as the individual will need to determine the appropriate word to fit the hint and then find it in the puzzle.

Final Draft

1. Open your word processing program. Double click its icon on your computer's desktop and wait for the program to launch. Click "New" or similar to create a new document.

2. Create a table. Have a minimum of fifteen rows and columns. This will make the puzzle large enough to fit various words. Click "Table Properties" and "Border," then replace the current border value with "0."

3. Type your rough draft out in the word processing program. Write all the words in the table. When typing out these words, each letter within each word receives its own, individual cell. Include both the words the individual is supposed to find and the words that are meant to camouflage and confuse the individual.

4. Type out the hints directly below the puzzle or on the next page if your puzzle fills an entire page.

5. Review your work. Look through the puzzle for any and all errors, and make sure it looks aesthetically pleasing. Then click "Menu," and "Print." Print as many copies as you need or photocopy from one printed original. Fill out one copy to remind yourself of the answers and keep it hidden until others have done the puzzle.

Tips & Warnings

• Make the puzzle large. The larger the puzzle, the harder it will be. It is often recommended to go with a puzzle that is the size of one page, with minimal margins.

• Make the puzzle challenging. Use a variety of words that the challenger will expect to see and know to camouflage the words the challenger is supposed to find. This way, he or she becomes confused as to which word actually fits the specific definition.

• Limit the number of words the individual is suppose to find to five or ten. You do not want a lot of words, as it becomes easier to find them. Five words makes the puzzle difficult, while also being doable.

References

• Armored Penguin: Make Your Own Word Search Puzzle