Word Search

A word search is a very popular puzzle that involves finding hidden words within a grid of letters.

It is a valuable educational tool that supports the development of cognitive processes, enriches vocabulary, and makes learning to read, write, and study foreign languages more engaging through fun and interactive play.

A fun times tables

We decided to think outside the box of a typical online word search, since there are thousands of such games on the web. But here, instead of hidden words... you can track down times table!

Sounds strange? Maybe a little, but it works!

It turns out that while playing, our brain automatically solves equations, just as it does when we unconsciously read ordinary words while searching for them. It’s sort of like the Stroop effect.

Thanks to this, learning happens on its own! The player must scan the entire board with their eyes in search of hidden words or equations. When seeing the sequence 5 x 4 = 20 in a single line, the brain automatically processes it as a coherent whole. This greatly develops perceptual skills and reinforces the times table through so-called implicit learning .

In our game, you can choose from the entire times table, individual sections (e.g., only problems involving 2, 3, 4…), or halves: 1x through 5x and 6x through 10x. For traditionalists, we’ve of course included classic words and various thematic categories. We’re constantly adding new sets, always keeping their educational value in mind.

Our version lets you adjust the difficulty level to suit each player’s needs. You can set:

  • the number of items in the game (from 5 to 50; we recommend 10–15),
  • the maximum length of a single item (from 4 to 17 characters; we recommend about 7–10, and for the times table: 7),
  • the grid density factor,
  • board filling options - instead of random letters or numbers, the additional characters used to fill the board can be replaced with emojis or simple shapes, or even left blank. This option is especially helpful for younger children or people with limited attention spans. The game becomes easier but still engaging.
  • item hiding directions from the simplest (horizontal and vertical only) to all 8 directions.

For example: by setting the maximum item length to 4 characters, the number of items to 5, and selecting emojis to fill the grid, you get a simple puzzle that’s accessible to practically everyone. It’s the perfect way to encourage educational play for the youngest children.

There are plenty of configuration options—it’s definitely worth trying it out for yourself!

Benefits of Word Search Puzzles

  • Observational Skills – quickly scanning a grid of letters or numbers develops visual analysis of the surroundings.
  • Concentration – the game requires focusing attention on a specific task and ignoring all distractions.
  • Perseverance and patience – word search puzzles teach children to persevere toward a goal, for example, when the last few words are hard to find.
  • Visual memory – the game helps players remember the correct spelling of difficult words.
  • Vocabulary – it expands vocabulary in one’s native or foreign language, helping players memorize new words and names.
  • Reinforcing Knowledge – can serve as a great review of concepts in biology, history, geography, or school reading assignments.
  • Support for Learning Difficulties – supports children with reading difficulties, such as dyslexia.

The boards are generated randomly during each game. The likelihood of a given word layout repeating is very low, especially on larger boards. The number of words selected by the player is the maximum allowed. Sometimes it may happen that the computer simply cannot fit the selected number of words. In that case, some words from the randomly selected pool are omitted. We recommend that when selecting a larger number of words to place, you also select a larger number of additional letters.

Note: if the source word contains spaces, e.g., “NEW YORK” the spaces are removed from the game board!