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!
- Plus Plan
Animal Word Search - Sloths
Introduce your students to the world of Sloths with a fun word search!
- Plus Plan
The Great Depression Word Search
Increase academic vocabulary with a Great Depression word search.
- Plus Plan
Football Word Search - Printable
Get ready for the big game with a fun Football-themed word search puzzle printable.
- Plus Plan
Roaring Twenties Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a Roaring Twenties word search for middle school students.
- Plus Plan
World War II Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a World War 2 word search for 5th graders.
- Plus Plan
Valentine’s Day Word Search
Stretch your students’ vocabulary and reading skills with a sweet Valentine’s Day word search.
- Plus Plan
Thanksgiving Word Search
Stretch your upper elementary students’ vocabulary and reading skills with a delicious Thanksgiving word search.
- Plus Plan
Colonial America Word Search
Review vocabulary and terminology related to Colonial America with a word search activity.
- Plus Plan
The French and Indian War - Word Search
Build academic vocabulary skills with a French and Indian War word search.
- Plus Plan
Fire Safety Word Search - Upper Elementary
Celebrate Fire Prevention Week this October with an engaging word search activity.
- Plus Plan
Red Ribbon Week Word Search - Primary
Have a bit of word find fun during Red Ribbon Week with a word search!
- Plus Plan
Red Ribbon Week Word Search - Upper Elementary
Help your students pledge to stay drug-free with a Red Ribbon Week word search worksheet.
- Plus Plan
Westward Expansion Word Search
Increase academic vocabulary with a Westward Expansion word search.
- Free Plan
Women's History Month - Word Search
Boost reading and spelling skills with our women's history month word search.
- Plus Plan
Kinetic and Potential Energy Word Search
A word search to practice potential and kinetic energy vocabulary.
- Plus Plan
Halloween Word Search - Upper Grades
Stretch your upper elementary students’ vocabulary and reading skills with this devilishly-delightful Halloween word search.
- Plus Plan
Halloween Word Search for Younger Students
Build a wickedly-good vocabulary with our spooky Halloween-themed word search.
- Plus Plan
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.
- Plus Plan
Christmas Word Search
Help spread holiday cheer with our Christmas word search.
- Plus Plan
Ordinal Number Word Search with Solution
A fun word search to help your students learn ordinal numbers.
- Plus Plan
Number Word Search with Solution - 3
A number search to help your students to learn place value.
- Plus Plan
Number Wordsearch with Solution - 2
A number search to help your students to learn place value.
- Plus Plan
William Shakespeare Word Search
A fun word search to use in the classroom on Shakespeare Day.
- Plus Plan
Grammar Word Search with Solution
A word search to help your students learn a variety of grammatical terms.
- Plus Plan
Numbers 0–20 - Word Search
A word search to help your students to learn the word form for the numbers 0–20.
- Plus Plan
Santa's Reindeer - Christmas Word Search
Help Santa find his reindeer in time for the holidays with our Christmas word search.
- Plus Plan
Tens (Numbers and Words) Word Search with Answers
Use this Word Search to help your students work with identifying numerals and their name.
- Plus Plan
Italian Words Word Search
A Word Search using Italian words.
- Plus Plan
Numbers 0–10 - Word Search
A word search to help your students to learn the word form for the numbers 0–10.
- Plus Plan
Rio - Word Search
A Rio themed word search to use in the classroom.