Students light up when they discover patterns, and this discovery process is the essence of active learning. Mathematics is a traditional domain for pattern exploration and is the context for our companion series Pattern Explorer. This Word Explorer collection strives to recreate similar problem solving and pattern discovery experiences with words and letters. Some of these word puzzles are classics, like word scrambles, rebus puzzles, and word searches. Many of the word puzzles have a less familiar, more unique format. A primary goal of the Word Explorer collection is to provide a wide variety of problem-solving experiences, to help foster the sort of critical thinking often associated with mathematical patterns. We hope to stimulate a spirit of playfulness and fun when working with letters and words.

The puzzles in this collection are loosely divided into 7 themes:

• Missing Letters
• Letter Rearrangement
• Word Combinations
• Vocabulary
• Path Search
• Code-Breaking/Logic
• Visual

To maximize diversity and variation, these themes appear in an approximately rotating order for a total of 64 puzzle sets. The activities are independent and self-contained, but they tend to build on one another and get slightly more sophisticated as the collection progresses. Students are generally encouraged to work on the earlier sets first and build up from there, although they should feel free to pick and choose as well.

The puzzles are appropriate for children in grades 6-8, although their experiences with these activities may vary widely depending upon a student’s comfort level with word exploration. Each activity is accompanied by a collection of hints, in a separate section following the activities. Younger students may find some activities to be like a small project, worthy of rich exploration and perseverance. In these instances, support from the hints and occasional help from peers or adults may be beneficial. Older students may be equipped to uncover patterns with much greater agility and speed. In all situations, and at whatever pace and facility, the playful exploration of words and letters is worthwhile.

Each activity is accompanied by solutions, in a separate section following the hints. We make no claims to our solutions being comprehensive, or to the uniqueness of our answers. In some instances, we deliberately provide only more accessible solutions, and leave out more esoteric words that might only be known by a Scrabble enthusiast. In other instances, there may be valid additional words or word combinations that could supplement our answers.

We encourage students to pursue these pattern problems with a sense of adventure and perseverance. Some pattern discoveries may come quickly, while others may require patience and determination. Regardless, the pattern exploration offers rich and authentic experiences to see words and letters as an opportunity to discover and have fun.