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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Olympics Word Search – Upper Grades
An Olympic-themed 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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Summer Word Search Puzzle
Search and spell your way into summer break with a fun Summer 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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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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Types of Weather – Word Search
Review science vocabulary terms with an engaging weather word search.
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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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Women's History Month - Word Search
Boost reading and spelling skills with our women's history month word search.
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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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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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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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Space Word Search
Review science vocabulary terms with an engaging space word search.
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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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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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Olympics Word Search – Lower Grades
A word search related to the Olympics.
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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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Football Word Search - Printable
Get ready for the big game with a differentiated Football word search for kids.
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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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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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Empathy Word Search
Introduce or review vocabulary terms related to empathy with this free word search worksheet.
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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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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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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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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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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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Earth Day Word Search - Printable
Identify environmental terms with this Earth Day word search.
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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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MLK Day Word Search
Identify the words and works of Martin Luther King Jr. in our MLK Word Search.
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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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November Word Search Pack
Download and use our November Word Search puzzle pack to give your students a fun brain break option all month.