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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Christmas Activity Printables - Holiday Puzzles
Have some word-friendly Christmas fun with a pack of printable Christmas word games for kids.
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Christmas Word Search
Help spread holiday cheer with our Christmas word search.
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Santa's Reindeer - Christmas Word Search
Help Santa find his reindeer in time for the holidays with our Christmas word search.
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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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Differentiated Winter Word Search Printable
Add a frosty twist to your seasonal studies with a winter word search printable teaching resource.
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Winter Puzzles Activity Book
Bring learning and seasonal fun together with this winter puzzles activity book to keep students engaged during the colder months.
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Empathy Word Search
Introduce or review vocabulary terms related to empathy with this free word search worksheet.
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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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Natural Disasters Word Search
Use a Natural Disasters word search to introduce your students to the vocabulary surrounding these destructive acts of nature.
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Summer Word Search Puzzle
Search and spell your way into summer break with a fun Summer Word Search!
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MLK Day Word Search
Identify the words and works of Martin Luther King Jr. in our MLK Word Search.
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Winter Paralympics Word Search – Upper Grades
Build vocabulary related to the Winter Paralympic Games with this engaging word search activity for upper elementary students.
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Winter Paralympics Word Search – Primary Grades
Build vocabulary related to the Winter Paralympic Games with this engaging word search activity for younger students.
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Spring Has Sprung Word Search Puzzles
Slide into a Spring with a pair of differentiated ‘Spring Has Sprung’ Word Search Puzzles.
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Firefighter Word Search Puzzle
Explore firefighter-related vocabulary words with an engaging firefighter word search activity.
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Free Volcano Worksheets
Download a set of free volcano worksheets to introduce your students to vocabulary and concepts related to volcanoes and volcanic disasters.
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Fossil Word Search
Use a fossil word search to introduce your students to the academic vocabulary needed to understand more about fossils.
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Who Pollinates Plants? Word Search
Introduce your students to a world of pollinators with a printable Who Pollinates Plants? Word Search.
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Rocks and Minerals Word Search
Introduce or review academic vocabulary with a printable Rocks and Minerals Word Search.
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Rhetorical Devices Word Search
Familiarize your students with the most common rhetorical devices with a fun word search.
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Personal Qualities Word Search
Explore different personal qualities with your students with this printable personal qualities word search.
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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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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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Earth Day Word Search - Printable
Identify environmental terms with this Earth Day word search.
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Basketball Word Search - Printable
Get ready for the big game with a fun basketball word search.
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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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The French and Indian War - Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a French and Indian War word search.
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Westward Expansion Word Search
Increase academic vocabulary with a Westward Expansion 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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Football Word Search - Printable
Get ready for the big game with a differentiated Football word search for kids.
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November Word Search Pack
Download and use our November Word Search puzzle pack to give your students a fun brain break option all month.