Word Searches for Teachers
On the hunt for word search printables to reinforce the vocabulary that your students are learning to inject a bit of fun into the school day? You've hit the jackpot with word search puzzles designed by teachers for teachers!
This extensive collection of printable worksheets covers a wide range of elementary school subjects and topics, from Thanksgiving word searches to Colonial America vocabulary games. Particularly useful for teachers working with young ESS students, ELL students, and struggling readers to help boost reading comprehension achievements, these printables can help students who are struggling with language to become more familiar with their newly learned words.
New to using word searches, or just looking for fresh ways to incorporate them into your lesson plans? Our teachers have got you covered with quick primer!
What Is a Word Search? A Kid-Friendly Definition
Sure, you know what a word search is, but how do you present them to your students? Try this kid-friendly definition!
A word search is a puzzle made up of a grid of letters with hidden words placed horizontally, vertically or diagonally. The goal is to locate and circle the words within the grid.
How to Use Word Searches in Your Classroom
Looking for new ways to use this simple tool in your classroom? The teachers on the Teach Starter team have put together a few ideas to liven up your classroom and unlock more "aha" moments for your students!
- Add word searches to your sub tub for simple work students can complete when you're out sick.
- Use word searches as an eye-training tool for students with reading deficits in a special education classroom.
- Use word searches to help students develop their decoding and deciphering skills.
- Use the vocabulary word list on each search, and practice pronunciation with ESL and ELL students before allowing them to work to find the words in the puzzle.
- Add word searches to your early finisher folders.
Don't see exactly the puzzle you need for your classroom? Check out our handy online word search generator for teachers!
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Long I Words - Word Search
Explore words containing some of the most common “long i” spelling patterns with this set of differentiated word searches.
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Long O Words - Word Search
Explore words containing some of the most common “long o” graphemes with this set of differentiated word searches.
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Roaring Twenties Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a Roaring Twenties word search for middle school students.
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Colonial America Word Search
Review vocabulary and terminology related to Colonial America with a word search activity.
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Fire Safety Word Search - Upper Elementary
Celebrate Fire Prevention Week this October with an engaging word search activity.
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Westward Expansion Word Search
Increase academic vocabulary with a Westward Expansion word search.
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Contractions Practice Worksheets
Reinforce the concept of contractions with eight worksheets designed for primary learners.
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Goods and Services Word Search
Stretch your students’ vocabulary and reading skills with this economics-focused word search that features examples of goods and services.
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Olympics Word Search – Lower Grades
A word search related to the Olympics.
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Easter Word Search Activity
Boost reading and spelling skills with an Easter word search.
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Number Word Search with Solution - 3
A number search to help your students to learn place value.
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William Shakespeare Word Search
A fun word search to use in the classroom on Shakespeare Day.
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Animal Classification Word Search Pack - Lower Grades
Introduce your students to the six animal types/classes with a pack of printable animal word search worksheets.
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Christmas Activity Sheets Workbook
Have a blast completing the fun activities in this printable Christmas activity book for upper grades.
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Thanksgiving Puzzle Book - 3rd and 4th Grade
Have a blast completing the fun activities in this printable Thanksgiving puzzle book for 3rd grade and 4th graders.
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Seasonal Changes Differentiated Word Search
Get your students’ minds buzzing with this word search seasons activity, while they build their scientific vocabulary about Earth and space sciences.
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Veterans Day Activity Book - Printable Puzzles and Games
Have some Veterans Day fun with a printable Veterans Day activity book!
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Constitution Day Word Search
Find, discuss, and learn words related to Constitution Day with a printable Constitution Day Word Search.
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Rounding Decimals Number Search Worksheets for 5th Grade
Encourage your 5th-grade students to practice rounding decimals to the nearest whole number, tenth and hundredth with this set of number search worksheets.
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Fire Safety - Printable Word Find
Kick off Fire Prevention Week and explore fire-related vocabulary words with an engaging fire safety word search activity.
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Halloween Adjectives Word Search - Lower Grades
Bring in the Halloween spirit this year, starting with a printable Halloween word search filled with spooky adjectives!
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Halloween Adjectives Word Search - Upper Grades
Bring in the Halloween spirit this year, starting with a printable upper grades Halloween word search filled with spooky adjectives!
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Dot Day Growth Mindset Word Search
Use this Dot Day word search activity to encourage students to Make Their Mark!
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Kindness Word Search
Download a printable word search about kindness for elementary school to explore this important aspect of social awareness with your students.
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Cooperation Word Search
Review vocabulary and boost your students’ cooperative interaction skills with a word search worksheet.
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Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition – Word Search
Strengthen your students' understanding of weathering, erosion, and deposition terms with a vocabulary word search.
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Types of Weather – Word Search
Review science vocabulary terms with an engaging weather word search.
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Renewable Energy Word Search
Review science vocabulary terms with an engaging renewable energy word search.
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April Fools' Day Word Search
Have a bit of word-friendly fun with an April Fools' Day word search.
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International Women’s Day Word Search
Build vocabulary skills with this International Women’s Day word search.
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Parts of Speech Word Search – Nouns, Adjectives, and Verbs – Worksheet
A word search where students find and categorize nouns, adjectives and verbs.
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The War of 1812 - Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a War of 1812 word search.