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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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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Women's History Month - Word Search
Boost reading and spelling skills with our women's history month word search.
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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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Rocks and Minerals Word Search
Introduce or review academic vocabulary with a printable Rocks and Minerals Word Search.
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Summer Paralympics Word Search - Primary
Build vocabulary related to the Summer Paralympic Games with this engaging word search puzzle for 1st grade students.
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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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Summer Paralympics Word Search - Upper Grades
Teach your students about the Paralympic Games with our summer sports word search for grades 3-6.
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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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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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Earth Day Word Search - Printable
Identify environmental terms with this Earth Day word search.
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Recycling Word Search
Build your students’ vocabulary around the topic of recycling with this recycling-themed word search.
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Easter Word Search
Boost reading and spelling skills with an Easter 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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Resilience Word Search
Use this resilience word search to immerse your students in the key vocabulary related to this important social-emotional skill.
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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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Soil Vocabulary Word Search
Immerse your students in the subject-specific vocabulary related to soil with this word search perfect for elementary students.
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Space Word Search
Review science vocabulary terms with an engaging space word search.
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OW and OU Words - Word Search
Explore "ou" and "ow" words with this set of differentiated word searches.
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Find It! - Sight Word Worksheets
Make your sight word instruction fun with this word search puzzle.
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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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States of Matter Word Find - Upper Grades
Use a States of Matter word search to introduce your upper-grade students to new academic vocabulary.
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Number Word Search Puzzles
Assign these number word search puzzles to your students to give them practice identifying the word form of the numbers 0 through 20.
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The Constitution for Kids - Bill of Rights Word Search
Find and discuss words related to Constitution Day with a printable Bill of Rights 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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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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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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Prefixes and Suffixes Word Search
Practice identifying the meanings of words containing prefixes and suffixes with a fun word search activity.
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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.