Overview: A fun way to help students learn their spelling words, or any new vocabulary, is to have them create their own word search. Here are a few templates you can print and use.

Recommended Grade Leve(s): Kindergarten, First, Second, Third

Word Search 12 Words

This template is for younger students. It has space available for twelve words.

Word Search 21 Words

This template is for older students. It has space available for twenty-one words and

Word Search Definitions

This template can be used during a unit of study to introduce new or important vocabulary. Instead of writing the words on the blanks, students write the definition to each word hidden in the puzzle. The searcher's job will be to read each definition, find the word that matches, and write the word next to its definition on the line.

How to Implement:

Offer this activity as a weekly center, to introduce a new study, as a follow-up to a story, or as spelling word practice. Once students are finished with their word searches, pair students, and have them start searching!