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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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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Natural Resources Word Search
Review the different natural resources with a word search.
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Space Word Search
Review science vocabulary terms with an engaging space 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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Basketball Word Search - Printable
Get ready for the big game with a fun basketball 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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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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The War of 1812 - Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a War of 1812 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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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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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.
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Long O Words - Word Search
Explore words containing some of the most common “long o” graphemes with this set of differentiated word searches.
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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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OI and OY Words - Word Search
Explore words containing “oi” and “oy” with this set of differentiated word searches.
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Long Vowel Words - Long A Word Search
Explore words containing some of the most common “long a” vowel teams with this set of differentiated word searches.
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Short OO Words — Word Search
Explore words containing some of the most common “short oo” graphemes with this set of differentiated word searches.
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Animal Word Search - Sloths
Introduce your students to the world of Sloths with a fun word search!
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The Great Depression Word Search
Increase academic vocabulary with a Great Depression word search.
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Football Word Search - Printable
Get ready for the big game with a fun Football-themed word search puzzle printable.
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Roaring Twenties Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a Roaring Twenties word search for middle school students.
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World War II Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a World War 2 word search for 5th graders.
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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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Word Search - Memorial Day Words for Upper Grades
Build vocabulary skills with this Memorial Day word search for upper grades.
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Thanksgiving Word Search
Stretch your upper elementary students’ vocabulary and reading skills with a delicious Thanksgiving 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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Memorial Day Word Search - Primary
Build vocabulary skills with this Memorial Day word search for primary grades.
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The French and Indian War - Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a French and Indian War word search.