Start with a useful vocabulary set
A themed list gives the learner a manageable group of words instead of an unstructured dictionary-sized task. Seeing Spanish and English together establishes the meaning before the search begins.
Repeated visual exposure
During the puzzle, the learner repeatedly looks for the spelling of the target word among distracting letters. That does not replace conversation, listening or grammar practice, but it gives the learner another encounter with the written form.
Use the puzzle as a prompt
A stronger activity continues after the word is found. Say it aloud, recall the English meaning without looking, or use it in a short phrase. The puzzle becomes the starting point for active practice rather than the entire lesson.