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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November Word Search Pack
Download and use our November Word Search puzzle pack to give your students a fun brain break option all month.
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Thanksgiving Word Search
Use a Thanksgiving Word Search to stretch your upper elementary students’ vocabulary and reading skills.
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Differentiated Thanksgiving Feast Word Search
Celebrate gratitude and good food in the classroom with a differentiated Thanksgiving Feast Word Search Puzzle for kids!
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Halloween Word Search for Younger Students
Build a wickedly-good vocabulary with our spooky Halloween 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.
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Firefighter Word Search Puzzle
Explore firefighter-related vocabulary words with an engaging firefighter word search activity.
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Adventures in Reading Word Search
Kick off a new unit or review literary vocabulary with a printable Adventures in Reading Word Search.
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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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Spring Word Search Puzzle
Search, find, and celebrate spring in your classroom with a fun Spring Word Search Puzzle.
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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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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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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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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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Compound Words - Word Search Pack
Search, find, and spell compound words with a fun set of Compound Word Word Search Puzzles!
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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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Animal Classes Word Search Pack - Upper Grades
Review vocabulary related to animal classes and characteristics of animals with a pack of printable animal classification word searches.
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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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Elapsed Time Number Search Worksheets
Review how to find elapsed time and practice learned skills with engaging Elapsed Time Number Search worksheets!
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Days of the Week - Months of the Year Word Search
Practice recognizing the days of the week and months of the year with printable Day and Month Word Search worksheets.
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Bowerbird Word Search
Explore the vocabulary surrounding the world of Bowerbirds with this printable word search.
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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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Personal Qualities Word Search
Explore different personal qualities with your students with this printable personal qualities word search.
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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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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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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.