Some readers struggle with dense, similar-looking letter shapes. A few small display changes can make a word search feel calmer and easier to scan.
You can test these settings on any puzzle from Browse All Puzzles. If you need a specific vocabulary list, create a custom puzzle in the Puzzle Maker.
Start with letter size
Letter size is the fastest win. If students are losing their place, increase the grid letter size before you change anything else.
On a puzzle page:
- Open Game Settings
- Under Typography, increase Font Size
If you are printing, you cannot change the on-screen font after the fact. In that case, pick an easier puzzle or print in landscape so the grid stays larger.
Try a dyslexic-friendly font option
Many readers prefer fonts designed to reduce letter confusion. PuzzleTide includes an OpenDyslexic option in the puzzle settings.
On a puzzle page:
- Open Game Settings
- Go to Typography
- Set Font Family to OpenDyslexic
Not everyone likes the same font. The goal is comfort and accuracy, not a single "correct" choice.
Use a calmer theme for contrast
Contrast matters. So does glare.
PuzzleTide includes a theme toggle in the header:
- Light: clean and bright
- Dark: high contrast for low-light rooms
- Paper: warm, low-glare look that many people find easier on the eyes
If students complain that the grid feels harsh, Paper theme is a good first try.
Reduce visual clutter with kids mode
For some learners, the hardest part of a word search is the noise: a dense grid full of filler letters.
PuzzleTide includes a Kids Mode option that simplifies the experience. On many word searches, it can reduce the amount of distracting filler on the board.
On a puzzle page:
- Open Game Settings
- Go to Game Modes
- Turn on Kids Mode
Kids Mode changes how the grid is generated, so the puzzle may need a restart or reload to apply.
Simplify directions to reduce scanning load
Diagonal and reverse words add challenge, but they also add scanning complexity. If you want a calmer solve:
- Turn off Diagonal Words
- Turn off Reverse Words
Both options are in the puzzle Game Settings under Word Directions.
Use hints when frustration is the bottleneck
If a student is working hard but stuck, hints are a better tool than "keep trying" loops.
On a puzzle page:
- Open Game Settings
- Under Game Modes, turn on Allow Hints
Hints help students stay engaged without lowering the whole puzzle for everyone.
Reduce difficulty without changing the topic
If the topic is fixed (unit vocabulary, spelling list), reduce difficulty by changing the list, not the theme.
Options that keep the content the same:
- Use fewer words (10 to 12 instead of 18)
- Replace very long words with shorter equivalents
- Avoid near-duplicates (plural vs singular)
You can do this quickly in the Puzzle Maker. Keep the words comma-separated.
A quick classroom setup (2 minutes)
If you are running this on student devices, do one setup pass:
- Pick one puzzle theme for the day.
- Ask students to set:
- Font size: one step larger than default
- Font family: OpenDyslexic (optional)
- Theme: Paper (optional)
- Diagonal words: off (optional)
- Reverse words: off (optional)
- Start with an easy puzzle, then move to medium if it is too quick.
You will see fewer "I lost my place" interruptions.
If reading is still hard, simplify the task
Some students will still struggle even after settings changes. In that case, reduce the amount of scanning they must do.
Options that keep the same vocabulary:
- Lower the target; "find 6" is enough for practice.
- Turn off diagonal and reverse words.
- Use a shorter list (10 to 12 words) in the Puzzle Maker.
- Pair students and split the list; each student finds half, then they compare.
If a student has an accommodation plan, follow it. Your goal is fluent practice, not endurance.
FAQ
Will these settings help every dyslexic reader?
No. Dyslexia support is personal. Some people prefer OpenDyslexic, some prefer a clean sans-serif, and some prefer larger letters more than a font change. Treat the settings as options to test.
Do I need to change settings for every puzzle?
Puzzle settings are designed to be reused, so you do not need to reconfigure everything every time. If something does not stick on a shared device, set it at the start of class.
Can I use this with printables?
Printables depend on the downloaded file and printer settings. For print, your best levers are scale, orientation, and puzzle difficulty. If students need larger letters, choose an easier puzzle or print in landscape, then confirm scale in preview.
Next step
- Pick a puzzle from Browse All Puzzles and test Paper theme plus a larger font size.
- Need a controlled word list? Build one in the Puzzle Maker.