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 U Words - Word Search
Explore words containing some of the most common “long u” graphemes 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 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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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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Football Word Search - Printable
Get ready for the big game with a fun Football-themed word search puzzle printable.
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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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Colonial America Word Search
Review vocabulary and terminology related to Colonial America with a word search activity.
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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 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!
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Red Ribbon Week Word Search - Upper Elementary
Help your students pledge to stay drug-free with a Red Ribbon Week word search worksheet.
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Contractions Practice Worksheets
Reinforce the concept of contractions with eight worksheets designed for primary learners.
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Women's History Month - Word Search
Boost reading and spelling skills with our women's history month word search.
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Kinetic and Potential Energy Word Search
A word search to practice potential and kinetic energy vocabulary.
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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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Halloween Word Search - Upper Grades
Stretch your upper elementary students’ vocabulary and reading skills with this devilishly-delightful Halloween word search.
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Halloween Word Search for Younger Students
Build a wickedly-good vocabulary with our spooky Halloween-themed word search.
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Do YOU Have a Growth Mindset? – Word Search
Use this word search activity to show students the qualities and characteristics of creating a growth mindset in the classroom.
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Parts of Speech Word Search – Nouns, Proper Nouns, and Verbs – Worksheet
Find and categorize nouns, proper nouns, and verbs in this word search-style worksheet.
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Olympics Word Search – Lower Grades
A word search related to the Olympics.
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Olympics Word Search – Upper Grades
An Olympic-themed word search.
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Ordinal Number Word Search with Solution
A fun word search to help your students learn ordinal numbers.
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Easter Word Search Activity
Boost reading and spelling skills with an Easter word search.
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William Shakespeare Word Search
A fun word search to use in the classroom on Shakespeare Day.
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Computer Word Search with Solution
A fun word search to help your students learn and work with computer related vocabulary.
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Italian Words Word Search
A Word Search using Italian words.
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Rio - Word Search
A Rio themed word search to use in the classroom.