Grades 1–2
Classroom Supplies Word Search
Twelve school supply words hidden across and down in an 11 by 11 grid. A good first-week-of-school puzzle.
Classroom activity · Word search puzzles
Ocean Animals Word Search
A 10 by 10 word search with 10 ocean animals that run only across and down, just right for new readers.
- Grade level
- Grades 1–2
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Topic
- Word search puzzles
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Word recognition, Spelling, Visual scanning, Topic vocabulary
What kids do
“Find the 10 ocean animals. The words go across or down. Cross each word off the list when you find it.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Find these 10 words · Words go across → or down ↓.
Words on this sheet
clamcrabeelfishoctopussealsharkshrimpsquidwhale
Teacher tip
Show a picture of each ocean animal before kids search, so the words have meaning.
How to use it
- Read the word list aloud together before kids start searching.
- Show kids how to look for the first letter, then check the next one.
- Use it as a center, an early finisher choice, an indoor recess activity or a sub day page.
Watch for
Kids circling random letters to finish fast. Ask them to read each word as they find it.
Talk about it
- Which word was the hardest to find? Why?
- What strategy did you use?
Take it further
Have kids make their own word search on grid paper for a partner.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More word search puzzles
Grades 2–3
Garden Bugs Word Search
Twelve garden bug words in a 12 by 12 grid. They run across, down and diagonally, but never backwards.
Grades 3–4
Sports and Games Word Search
Fourteen sports in a 13 by 13 grid. Some words run backwards, so it is a real challenge for 3rd and 4th grade.
Grades 4–5
Musical Instruments Word Search
Sixteen instruments in a 15 by 15 grid, hidden in all eight directions. The hardest word search in the set.
Free for teachers
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