Classroom activity · Word search puzzles

Picnic Word Search with a Secret Message

Find ten picnic words, then the leftover letters spell out a secret message about sharing.

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Grade level
Grades 2–3
Time
About 20 minutes
Answer key
Yes, page 2 of the PDF
Kids practice
Word recognition, Spelling, Visual scanning, Topic vocabulary

What kids do

“Find the 10 picnic words. Then read the leftover letters, row by row, to find the secret message.”

Printed on the sheet:

  1. Find these 10 words · Words go across →, down ↓ or diagonally ↘. Never backwards.
  2. The secret message: write the leftover letters in order, row by row

Words on this sheet

antsbasketblanketchipscookiesgrapesnapkinplates

Teacher tip

Have kids write the leftover letters in order to find the message about sharing.

How to use it

  • Have kids cross off each word on the list as they find it.
  • Give a highlighter so found words stand out.
  • Slide it into a sheet protector so kids can play again with a dry-erase marker.

Watch for

Kids who struggle to track rows. Let them use a ruler or a finger to guide their eyes.

Talk about it

  • Did you find words going a direction you did not expect?
  • What would you change to make it harder?

Take it further

Use the word list for a quick spelling or writing activity.

US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.

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