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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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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Homophones Word Searches
Immerse your students in common homophones with this differentiated set of homophones word searches for your vocabulary lessons.
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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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Innovate and Invent! Science Word Search
Build your students’ vocabulary around the topics of innovation and invention with a word search worksheet.
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Back to School Word Search Worksheets
Warm up your students’ vocabulary skills with this set of Back to School word searches.
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Animal Adaptations Word Search
Develop science vocabulary skills with a printable animal adaptations word search.
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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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April Fools' Day Word Search
Have a bit of word-friendly fun with an April Fools' Day word search.
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Basketball Word Puzzle Worksheets
Have a bit of word-friendly fun with your sports fanatics using a pack of basketball themed worksheets.
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Free St. Patrick's Day Word Search Activity
Print a free St. Patrick's Day word search for some holiday word-find fun!
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Basketball Word Search - Printable
Get ready for the big game with a fun basketball 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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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 OO Words - Word Search
Explore words containing some of the most common “long oo” spelling patterns with this set of differentiated word searches.
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Long E Words - Word Search
Explore words containing some of the most common “long e” graphemes with this set of differentiated word searches.
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Long Vowel Words - Long A Word Search
Explore words containing some of the most common “long a” vowel teams with this set of differentiated word searches.
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Short OO Words — Word Search
Explore words containing some of the most common “short oo” graphemes with this set of differentiated word searches.
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Animal Word Search - Sloths
Introduce your students to the world of Sloths with a fun word search!
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The Great Depression Word Search
Increase academic vocabulary with a Great Depression word search.
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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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World War II Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a World War 2 word search for 5th graders.
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Valentine’s Day Word Search
Stretch your students’ vocabulary and reading skills with a sweet Valentine’s Day word search.
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Word Search - Memorial Day Words for Upper Grades
Build vocabulary skills with this Memorial Day word search for upper grades.
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Memorial Day Word Search - Primary
Build vocabulary skills with this Memorial Day word search for primary grades.
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The French and Indian War - Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a French and Indian War word search.
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Fire Safety Word Search - Upper Elementary
Celebrate Fire Prevention Week this October with an engaging Fire Safety Word Search activity.
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Red Ribbon Week Word Search - Primary
Have a bit of word find fun during Red Ribbon Week with a word search!