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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Memorial Day Word Search - Primary
Build vocabulary skills with this Memorial Day word search for primary grades.
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Westward Expansion Word Search
Increase academic vocabulary with a Westward Expansion word search.
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Contractions Practice Worksheets
Reinforce the concept of contractions with eight worksheets designed for primary learners.
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Find It! - Sight Word Worksheets
Make your sight word instruction fun with this word search puzzle.
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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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Olympics Word Search – Upper Grades
An Olympic-themed word search.
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Easter Word Search Activity
Boost reading and spelling skills with an Easter word search.
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Grammar Word Search with Solution
A word search to help your students learn a variety of grammatical terms.
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Numbers 0–20 - Word Search
A word search to help your students to learn the word form for the numbers 0–20.
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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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Constitution Day Word Search
Find, discuss, and learn words related to Constitution Day with a printable Constitution Day Word Search.
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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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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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Fire Safety - Printable Word Find
Kick off Fire Prevention Week and explore fire-related vocabulary words with an engaging fire safety word search activity.
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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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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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Cooperation Word Search
Review vocabulary and boost your students’ cooperative interaction skills 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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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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Renewable Energy Word Search
Review science vocabulary terms with an engaging renewable energy word search.
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April Fools' Day Word Search
Have a bit of word-friendly fun with an April Fools' Day word search.
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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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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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Earth Day Word Search - Printable
Identify environmental terms with this Earth Day 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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Parts of Speech Word Search – Nouns, Adjectives, and Verbs – Worksheet
A word search where students find and categorize nouns, adjectives and verbs.
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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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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.