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A word puzzle for your next lesson

Choose the vocabulary, set a small challenge and give learners a reason to explain their thinking.

1. The five-minute mystery word

Practise: spelling, vocabulary and explaining a choice.

  1. Choose a familiar 4, 5 or 6-letter word in Wordle Maker. Check that the dictionary accepts it before the lesson.
  2. Open the challenge link on a shared screen. Invite pairs to suggest a guess and explain what it will test.
  3. After each row, ask which words the clues rule out. Write the reasons down before the next guess.
  4. When the word is revealed, ask learners to use it in a sentence or describe it without saying the word.

Pick the answer yourself for a lesson on a specific topic. The random practice modes use a general English vocabulary list, not a graded reading list.

2. A vocabulary hunt with a purpose

Practise: recognising words, recalling meanings and grouping vocabulary.

  1. Adapt one of the lists below or use words from your current lesson.
  2. Open the list in Word Search Maker. Preview the grid and use its Print button for paper copies, or share its playable link.
  3. For each word found, ask learners to give a definition, draw it or place it into a category. Finding the letters is the starting point.

A list to get you started

Use 4–14 words, 3–12 English letters each, separated by spaces or commas.

Open this word search →

3. Be the puzzle designer

Practise: choosing appropriate vocabulary and writing clear clues.

  1. Ask each pair to select a word from the lesson and make a custom Wordle.
  2. Have them write a short definition or sentence with a blank as an optional clue.
  3. Exchange puzzle links with another pair. Compare which clues helped and why.

For an extra reasoning task, show ALLEE against APPLE in our interactive rules guide. Ask learners to explain why the same letter can appear in two different colours.

Before you share

Preview every puzzle and match the vocabulary to your learners. The makers work without accounts; custom Wordle progress stays in each player's browser. Shared puzzles use the same words for everyone, with separate play progress. Avoid putting learners' personal information into puzzle titles or word lists.

Explore both puzzle makers or browse our free word games.