Oh, fellow Muggles and aspiring wizards, gather 'round! There’s something truly enchanting about diving headfirst into the wizarding world, isn't there? Whether you’re re-reading the books for the tenth time, binging the movies on a rainy weekend, or just humming Hedwig’s Theme while you work, the magic of Harry Potter never truly fades. But what if I told you there’s a simple, accessible way to sprinkle a little extra Hogwarts charm into your everyday, one that doesn't require a trip to Diagon Alley or a perfectly aimed *Accio* spell?
Enter the glorious, often underestimated, harry potter word search printable. For me, it all started on a particularly dreary Tuesday afternoon. My younger cousin, a budding Ravenclaw with an insatiable curiosity, was utterly bored. I’d exhausted my repertoire of stories, and my attempt at teaching her basic levitation charms (with a feather, naturally) wasn't quite cutting it. Then, a spark! I remembered seeing some Harry Potter-themed puzzles online. A quick search, a click, and moments later, we were both huddled over a freshly printed word search, giggling as we hunted for "Quidditch" and "Gryffindor." That simple act transformed a dull afternoon into a mini-adventure, filled with quiet concentration and triumphant shouts of "Found it!" It was then I realized the true, unassuming power of these magical printables.
This isn't just about finding words; it's about revisiting beloved characters, recalling iconic spells, and immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of J.K. Rowling's universe in a unique, engaging way. It's about a moment of calm focus for parents, a fun educational tool for teachers, a nostalgic trip for long-time fans, and a delightful challenge for anyone looking for a dose of wholesome, wizarding fun.
In this ultimate guide, we’re going to embark on a grand tour of everything Harry Potter word search printables have to offer. We’ll explore different types, uncover creative uses, share tips for finding the best ones (and even making your own!), and dive deep into why these simple puzzles hold such enduring appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle master or just starting your journey into the world of word searches, prepare to have your wands ready – because by the end of this, you’ll be a certified expert in all things "harry potter word search printable"!
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Table of Contents
- [I. The Classic Cast: Harry Potter Character Word Searches](#i-the-classic-cast-harry-potter-character-word-searches)
- [II. Magical Menagerie: Beasts and Creatures Word Searches](#ii-magical-menagerie-beasts-and-creatures-word-searches)
- [III. Incantations & Charms: Spells and Potions Word Searches](#iii-incantations-charms-spells-and-potions-word-searches)
- [IV. Hogwarts House Pride: Lore and Location Word Searches](#iv-hogwarts-house-pride-lore-and-location-word-searches)
- [V. Advanced Wizardry: Challenging & Thematic Word Searches](#v-advanced-wizardry-challenging-thematic-word-searches)
- [VI. Party Like a Potterhead: Event-Themed Word Searches](#vi-party-like-a-potterhead-event-themed-word-searches)
- [VII. Learning Through Lore: Educational Applications](#vii-learning-through-lore-educational-applications)
- [VIII. Beyond the Page: Creative Uses for Your Printables](#viii-beyond-the-page-creative-uses-for-your-printables)
- [IX. Craft Your Own Magic: DIY Harry Potter Word Searches](#ix-craft-your-own-magic-diy-harry-potter-word-searches)
- [X. The Unseen Magic: Benefits of Word Searches for All Ages](#x-the-unseen-magic-benefits-of-word-searches-for-all-ages)
- [How to Choose the Best Harry Potter Word Search Printable for Your Needs](#how-to-choose-the-best-harry-potter-word-search-printable-for-your-needs)
- [Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using Harry Potter Word Searches](#common-pitfalls-to-avoid-when-using-harry-potter-word-searches)
- [Advanced Tips for Expert Harry Potter Word Search Enthusiasts](#advanced-tips-for-expert-harry-potter-word-search-enthusiasts)
- [Conclusion: Keep the Magic Alive!](#conclusion-keep-the-magic-alive)
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I. The Classic Cast: Harry Potter Character Word Searches
Let's kick things off with the heart of the wizarding world: its unforgettable characters! A "harry potter word search printable" focused on characters is often the first stop for many fans, and for good reason. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends (and foes!) and a fantastic entry point for younger fans just learning the names.
Here are some compelling examples and ideas for character-themed word searches:
1. The Golden Trio & Beyond: A foundational puzzle featuring Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, Luna, and Draco. This is perfect for beginners or quick, nostalgic fun. I once used a simple version of this for a quick brain break during a particularly intense study session, and finding "Hermione" felt like a mini-victory!
2. Hogwarts Professors & Staff: Think Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Sprout, Flitwick, Trelawney, and Filch. This variation encourages recalling the diverse personalities that shaped the students' journeys.
3. Order of the Phoenix Members: Dive deeper with names like Sirius, Lupin, Tonks, Moody, Mrs. Weasley, and Kingsley Shacklebolt. This adds a layer of challenge, perhaps even prompting a quick refresher on their roles in the books.
4. Death Eaters & Villains: For those who appreciate the darker side, a puzzle with Voldemort, Bellatrix, Lucius Malfoy, Peter Pettigrew, and other antagonists can be surprisingly engaging. It's a subtle way to acknowledge the narrative's complexity.
5. Quidditch Stars: From Harry and Ginny to Cedric Diggory and Viktor Krum, this focuses on the athletes and positions within the wizarding sport, like Seeker, Chaser, Beater, and Keeper.
6. Minor but Memorable Characters: Include quirky names like Colin Creevey, Lavender Brown, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, Cho Chang, and Parvati Patil. This is a great test of true fan knowledge! I remember trying to find "Nymphadora" on one of these once and almost giving up – it's longer than you think!
7. Magical Government & Ministry Officials: Cornelius Fudge, Dolores Umbridge, Percy Weasley, and Rufus Scrimgeour can add a more "grown-up" feel to the word search, perfect for older fans.
8. Founders of Hogwarts: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. A nod to the very origins of the school.
9. Family Trees: Focus on a specific family, like the Weasleys (Arthur, Molly, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, Ron, Ginny) or the Malfoys (Lucius, Narcissa, Draco). This can be a fun way to explore family dynamics within the lore.
10. The Next Generation: Include Albus Severus, James Sirius, Lily Luna, Rose Weasley, Hugo Weasley, and Scorpius Malfoy for fans of *Cursed Child* or those who love the epilogue.
11. Beyond the Books – Fantastic Beasts Characters: Newt Scamander, Tina Goldstein, Queenie Goldstein, Jacob Kowalski, Gellert Grindelwald, and Albus Dumbledore (younger version!). This extends the magic to the wider cinematic universe.
12. The "Who Am I?" Puzzle: Instead of just names, include short descriptions or riddles, and the solver has to figure out the character *before* finding their name. For example: "The Boy Who Lived" (Harry Potter), "Headmaster of Hogwarts" (Albus Dumbledore). This adds an extra layer of cognitive engagement.
II. Magical Menagerie: Beasts and Creatures Word Searches
The wizarding world is teeming with incredible, wondrous, and sometimes terrifying creatures! A "harry potter word search printable" dedicated to these magical beings offers a different kind of challenge and helps fans recall the rich biodiversity of Rowling's imagination.
Here are some fantastical examples:
1. Common Creatures: A starter set featuring Hedwig (owl), Crookshanks (cat), Scabbers (rat), Fang (dog), Fluffy (three-headed dog), and Aragog (giant spider). Simple, recognizable, and a great way to start.
2. Forbidden Forest Dwellers: Acromantula, Centaur, Thestral, Unicorn, Blast-Ended Skrewt. This category hints at the darker, more mysterious side of the magical world. I once got stuck on "Thestral" because I kept thinking of "horse" – it's a good mental stretch!
3. Fantastic Beasts (and Where to Find Them): Niffler, Bowtruckle, Occamy, Thunderbird, Demiguise, Erumpent, Graphorn. Perfect for fans of the movie series, expanding their knowledge beyond the main HP saga.
4. Mythical & Legendary Creatures: Basilisk, Phoenix, Hippogriff, Dragon (various types like Hungarian Horntail, Norwegian Ridgeback), Griffin. These are the showstoppers of the wizarding world.
5. House-Elves & Goblins: Dobby, Winky, Kreacher, Griphook, Gringotts. A focus on the sentient, often overlooked, magical races.
6. Water Dwellers: Merpeople, Grindylow, Giant Squid. Exploring the creatures of the Black Lake and beyond.
7. Cursed Creatures & Dark Arts Beasts: Dementor, Inferi, Werewolf, Boggart, Lethifold. This adds a spooky, more challenging element. My friend, who's usually a word search whiz, spent ages trying to find "Lethifold" – it really makes you think!
8. Care of Magical Creatures Class: Focus on the creatures Hagrid teaches about, like Hippogriffs, Nifflers, and Blast-Ended Skrewts. This can tie into a lesson plan or just a fun reminder of Hagrid's love for all creatures.
9. Creature Feature by Book: Create a word search specific to the creatures introduced or prominently featured in each book. For example, *Chamber of Secrets* might include "Basilisk" and "Phoenix."
10. Magical Pets: Beyond the main trio's companions, include other common magical pets like pygmy puffs, toads, and various breeds of owls.
11. Creature Characteristics: Instead of just names, you could have a puzzle where the words are characteristics (e.g., "Invisible," "Loyal," "Fiery," "Shape-shifting") and the solver has to match them to a creature, then find the creature's name. This adds a fun, descriptive layer.
12. Creatures of the Wider World: Consider creatures mentioned in *Fantastic Beasts* lore that aren't necessarily main characters, like the Swooping Evil or the Obscurus. This is for the truly dedicated fan!
III. Incantations & Charms: Spells and Potions Word Searches
What would the wizarding world be without its spells and potions? From the simplest Lumos to the most complex Dark Arts curses, these are the very fabric of magic. A "harry potter word search printable" based on spells and potions is a fantastic way to test one's knowledge of magical terminology.
Here are some spellbinding examples:
1. Basic Charms & Hexes: *Lumos*, *Nox*, *Alohomora*, *Wingardium Leviosa*, *Expelliarmus*, *Petrificus Totalus*, *Stupefy*. Essential spells every budding witch or wizard should know.
2. Advanced Transfiguration & Dueling Spells: *Protego*, *Riddikulus*, *Reducto*, *Expecto Patronum*, *Avada Kedavra*, *Crucio*, *Imperio*. These are often longer and more challenging to find. I still remember the first time I found "Expecto Patronum" on a grid – it felt like conjuring a real Patronus!
3. Healing & Counter-Spells: *Episkey*, *Vulnera Sanentur*, *Finite Incantatem*, *Reparo*. A reminder of the helpful and protective side of magic.
4. Potions & Ingredients: Polyjuice Potion, Felix Felicis, Veritaserum, Amortentia, Draught of Living Death, Boomslang Skin, Mandrake Root. This category highlights the intricate art of potion-making.
5. Quidditch Spells: *Arresto Momentum*, *Piertotum Locomotor* (okay, not strictly Quidditch, but in the stadium context!). A fun way to link spells to the sport.
6. Dark Arts & Unforgivable Curses: Focus specifically on *Avada Kedavra*, *Crucio*, *Imperio*, and other dark spells like *Sectumsempra*. This is for older, more knowledgeable fans who understand the context.
7. Spells by Book/Movie: Create a puzzle with spells prominently featured in a specific book or film. For example, *Chamber of Secrets* might include "Fidelius Charm" or "Obliviate."
8. Charms Class Essentials: Focus on the spells taught in Charms class, emphasizing their practical applications.
9. Defensive Magic: *Disarming Charm*, *Shield Charm*, *Patronus Charm*, *Impedimenta*. A focus on protection.
10. Magical Objects & Their Spells: Think of spells associated with objects, like *Accio* (summoning charm), *Diffindo* (cutting charm), or *Scourgify* (cleaning charm). This adds a contextual layer.
11. Incantation Origins: For true word nerds, include the Latin roots or meanings of some spells alongside their actual names (e.g., "Lumen" -> *Lumos*). This is a more academic approach, but fascinating for those interested in etymology.
12. The "Spell It Out" Puzzle: Instead of just the spell name, the words to find could be a short phrase describing its effect (e.g., "Opens Locks" for Alohomora, "Disarms Opponent" for Expelliarmus). This adds a descriptive challenge. This is my go-to kind of puzzle when I want to really test my knowledge beyond rote memorization.
IV. Hogwarts House Pride: Lore and Location Word Searches
Hogwarts is more than just a school; it's a home, a sanctuary, and the epicenter of countless magical adventures. A "harry potter word search printable" centered on Hogwarts lore, locations, and house pride truly brings the castle to life on the page.
Here are some house-proud and location-savvy examples:
1. Hogwarts Houses & Traits: Gryffindor (courage, daring, nerve, chivalry), Hufflepuff (dedication, hard work, fair play, loyalty, patience), Ravenclaw (wit, learning, wisdom, creativity, originality), Slytherin (ambition, cunning, leadership, resourcefulness). This is a foundational puzzle for any fan.
2. Iconic Hogwarts Locations: Great Hall, Common Room, Forbidden Forest, Whomping Willow, Astronomy Tower, Headmaster's Office, Chamber of Secrets, Room of Requirement, Dungeons. This helps visualize the castle. I remember trying to find "Room of Requirement" and almost needing a map myself!
3. Diagon Alley & Hogsmeade: Gringotts, Ollivanders, Flourish and Blotts, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Honeydukes, The Three Broomsticks, Zonko's Joke Shop. Expanding beyond Hogwarts to the magical shopping and leisure areas.
4. Hogwarts Subjects: Charms, Potions, Transfiguration, Herbology, History of Magic, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, Divination, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures. A great way to remember the academic side of Hogwarts.
5. Quidditch Pitch & Rules: Bludger, Snitch, Quaffle, Seeker, Chaser, Beater, Keeper, Golden Snitch, Broomstick. Focuses on the thrilling sport.
6. Hogwarts Founders: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, Salazar Slytherin. A deeper dive into the school's origins.
7. Magical Objects & Artifacts of Hogwarts: Sorting Hat, Sword of Gryffindor, Philosopher's Stone, Marauder's Map, Pensieve, Resurrection Stone, Elder Wand, Cloak of Invisibility. These are often longer words, making them more challenging.
8. Secret Passageways & Hidden Rooms: The Room of Requirement, Chamber of Secrets, various secret passages leading out of Hogwarts. This can be a fun, challenging set for advanced fans.
9. Hogwarts Staff Residences: Hagrid's Hut, Filch's Office, Dumbledore's Office, Snape's Office. A unique take on locations.
10. Beyond Hogwarts - Other Magical Locations: Ministry of Magic, Azkaban, St. Mungo's Hospital, Godric's Hollow, Little Whinging, Grimmauld Place. Broadening the scope of the wizarding world.
11. Hogwarts Express & Platform 9 ¾: A nostalgic nod to the journey to school.
12. Thematic House Challenges: Create four separate, smaller word searches, one for each house, featuring specific words related to that house's history, famous members, or common room features. For example, a Slytherin one might include "Serpent," "Dungeon," "Ambition," and "Draco." This is perfect for house-themed parties or friendly competitions!
V. Advanced Wizardry: Challenging & Thematic Word Searches
For the true Potterhead, the casual word search might not cut it. This category of "harry potter word search printable" is designed to push the boundaries, offering longer words, more obscure references, and intricate themes that demand deep knowledge of the lore.
Prepare for a true test of your magical prowess:
1. Obscure Characters & Background Figures: Armando Dippet, Phineas Nigellus Black, Bathilda Bagshot, Aberforth Dumbledore, Gilderoy Lockhart, Regulus Black. Names that require more than a passing familiarity with the series.
2. Magical Concepts & Theories: Horcrux, Patronus, Legilimency, Occlumency, Apparition, Disapparition, Parseltongue, Pensieve, Unspeakable. These are often abstract and longer terms. I vividly recall a family game night where my uncle, a huge HP fan, spent a good five minutes trying to find "Legilimency" – the triumphant shout when he finally did was epic!
3. Historical Events & Dates: The First Wizarding War, The Battle of Hogwarts, The Founding of Hogwarts, The Goblin Rebellions, Salem Witch Trials (mentioned in lore). A more historical, lore-heavy approach.
4. Magical Professions & Occupations: Auror, Healer, Obliviator, Curse-Breaker, Dragonologist, Wandmaker, Potions Master. This delves into the career paths within the wizarding world.
5. Specific Book/Movie Vocabulary: Create a word search solely from unique terms found only in *Goblet of Fire* or *Half-Blood Prince*. This requires pinpoint memory.
6. Latin & Etymological Roots: For the word nerds, include words that are the Latin origins of common spells or creature names (e.g., "Lumen" for *Lumos*, "Draco" for Dragon). This is definitely for the expert.
7. "Who Said It?" Challenge: The words to find are famous quotes, but only the key nouns or verbs from the quote are in the grid, prompting memory of the full line (e.g., "Always" for Snape's famous line).
8. Anagram & Riddle Puzzles: The word search grid contains anagrams of HP terms, or clues are riddles whose answers are the words to find. This adds a layer of puzzle-solving.
9. Themed by Author's Intent/Symbolism: Words related to themes like "Love," "Sacrifice," "Prejudice," "Friendship," "Choice," "Destiny," "Death." This is a deep dive into the narrative's underlying messages.
10. Beyond the Main Seven Books: Include terms from *Fantastic Beasts*, Pottermore, or *Cursed Child* to truly test the comprehensive knowledge of the entire Wizarding World canon.
11. Complex Compounds: Words like "Polyjuice Potion," "Marauder's Map," "Hogwarts Express" – multi-word terms that are treated as single entries, making them harder to spot.
12. Reverse Word Searches: The words are given, but the grid is blank. You have to *place* the words in the grid and then fill in the remaining letters randomly. This is a true expert-level challenge for those who want to *create* the puzzle as much as solve it!
VI. Party Like a Potterhead: Event-Themed Word Searches
Hosting a Harry Potter-themed party? A "harry potter word search printable" isn't just a quiet activity; it can be a fantastic, interactive, and low-cost game or favor! They add a touch of magic without requiring elaborate setups.
Here's how to integrate them into your magical gatherings:
1. Sorting Ceremony Starter: Have a simple word search with names of houses and their traits. Guests can complete it while waiting for the sorting hat, perhaps even helping them decide which house they *want* to be in.
2. Birthday Bash Bonanza: A puzzle featuring words like "Birthday," "Cake," "Presents," "Friends," and specific HP birthday elements (e.g., "Dobby," "Cake from Hagrid"). This makes for a personalized party favor.
3. House Cup Challenge: Print four different word searches, one for each house, with varying difficulty levels. Teams (or individuals sorted into houses) race to complete their house's puzzle for points. This gadget saved my team during a project crunch, sparking some fierce but friendly competition!
4. Scavenger Hunt Clues: Hide clues to the next word search puzzle around the party area. Each completed word search reveals a new clue or location.
5. Movie Marathon Mirth: Prepare a stack of word searches related to each movie. During breaks, challenge guests to find words from the film they just watched. This keeps the energy up between screenings.
6. Pre-Feast Fun: While waiting for the "Great Hall" feast, hand out word searches to keep younger (and older!) guests entertained. A puzzle with food-related HP terms like "Pumpkin Juice," "Cauldron Cake," "Bertie Bott's," "Fizzing Whizbees."
7. Wedding or Anniversary Wizardry: For a true Potterhead couple, create a word search with terms related to their favorite HP moments, inside jokes, or names of their pets (if HP-themed!). This is incredibly personal and memorable.
8. Baby Shower Wizarding World: A gentle word search with baby-related terms like "Diaper," "Cradle," "Stroller," alongside HP elements like "Onesie," "Swaddle," "Love," and "Future Wizard."
9. Halloween Spooktacular: Focus on spooky HP elements: "Dementor," "Ghost," "Voldemort," "Boggart," "Pumpkin," "Costume."
10. Christmas at Hogwarts: Words like "Snow," "Presents," "Feast," "Yule Ball," "Christmas Crackers," "Weasley Jumper." Perfect for a holiday gathering.
11. Classroom Activity Fun: Teachers can use these as a quick, themed activity for a Harry Potter day, or as a reward for good behavior. My own experience as a volunteer at a school revealed that a well-placed HP word search could calm a rowdy class faster than a silencing charm!
12. Party Favors: Instead of candy, roll up a personalized Harry Potter word search printable with a small pencil and tie it with a ribbon in the guest's house color. A simple, thoughtful, and reusable favor.
VII. Learning Through Lore: Educational Applications
Who says learning can't be magical? A "harry potter word search printable" can be an incredibly effective, engaging, and subtly educational tool for children and even adults. It leverages the inherent appeal of the wizarding world to reinforce vocabulary, spelling, and even reading comprehension.
Here's how these printables can cast an educational spell:
1. Vocabulary Reinforcement: Introduce new words from the books (e.g., "parchment," "quill," "foreboding," "treacherous") alongside their magical counterparts. This expands general vocabulary.
2. Spelling Practice: Perfect for practicing tricky spellings of character names (Hermione, Hagrid, Dumbledore), creatures (Hippogriff, Thestral), or spells (Wingardium Leviosa, Expelliarmus).
3. Reading Comprehension Check: After reading a chapter or watching a movie, provide a word search with key terms, characters, or plot points. It's a fun, low-pressure way to assess understanding.
4. Thematic Learning Units: Integrate word searches into units on mythology (creatures), history (wizarding wars), or even ethics (good vs. evil characters).
5. Character Analysis: Create a word search where the words are personality traits (e.g., "Brave," "Loyal," "Cunning," "Wise") and children have to find them and then identify which character they describe.
6. "Fill-in-the-Blank" Clues: Instead of just listing words, provide sentences with blanks where the missing word is the one to find in the puzzle. Example: "Harry defeated the ______ with the Sword of Gryffindor." (Basilisk).
7. Creative Writing Prompts: After completing a word search, challenge students to write a short story using at least five of the words they found.
8. World Geography (Magical Edition): Include places like "London," "Scotland," "Forbidden Forest," "Azkaban," "Godric's Hollow." This subtly links the fictional world to real-world geography.
9. Cross-Curricular Connections: For example, a "Potions Class" word search could include terms from chemistry (e.g., "Solution," "Mixture," "Boiling Point") alongside potion ingredients.
10. Memory Recall for Older Learners: For adult fans, a challenging word search with obscure lore or detailed plot points can be a fun way to test and reinforce long-term memory.
11. Quiet Time Activity: For parents and teachers, these are invaluable for quiet reading time, independent work, or as a calm-down activity after energetic play. It's a structured way to engage their minds without screens. I've personally seen how a few of these printables can transform a restless classroom into a haven of concentration.
12. Language Arts Integration: Use the word search words to practice alphabetizing, identifying nouns/verbs, or even creating simple sentences. The possibilities are truly endless when you combine the love of Harry Potter with educational goals.
VIII. Beyond the Page: Creative Uses for Your Printables
A "harry potter word search printable" doesn't have to be just a paper-and-pencil activity. With a little creativity, these magical puzzles can transform into decorations, gifts, and interactive experiences that add an extra layer of enchantment to your wizarding world endeavors.
Think outside the Muggle box!
1. Framed Art: Once completed, frame a particularly intricate or beautifully designed word search. It makes for unique, personalized fan art for a bedroom, office, or even a themed bathroom.
2. Personalized Gift Wrap: Print a word search (perhaps with words related to the gift recipient's favorite HP elements) directly onto plain paper and use it as custom gift wrap. The recipient can then complete the puzzle after unwrapping!
3. Tabletop Decorations: Print smaller versions and use them as placemats, coasters (laminated), or centerpieces for a Harry Potter party. Guests can doodle on them or try to solve them during dinner.
4. DIY Bookmarks: Print a long, narrow word search, cut it out, and laminate it. It makes a sturdy, reusable bookmark for your Harry Potter books. I made one with "Always" and "Potter" as hidden words, and it's my go-to bookmark!
5. Lunchbox Notes: Print a mini-word search and tuck it into a child's lunchbox for a magical surprise during their school day. Include a sweet note or a fun fact.
6. Party Games/Icebreakers: As mentioned before, use them as team challenges, race-against-the-clock competitions, or simply a way for guests to mingle and chat about their favorite HP characters while solving.
7. "Find the Clue" Game: Hide letters or symbols within the word search grid (not part of the words) that, when circled in order, spell out a secret message or lead