Long words and no easy starts
By third grade, a word search needs some challenge to hold attention. These fourteen words run from seven to eleven letters, so there are more chances to go wrong partway through. Hard difficulty also hides words backwards, which means children can't rely on spotting the first letter and reading on.
Vocabulary worth talking about
Some words will be new. Before starting, ask who can explain a poinsettia, what makes a tree evergreen, or what a tradition is. Compound words are worth pointing out too: gingerbread, snowflake, fireplace and peppermint can each be split into two smaller words, a useful clue for long words in any reading.
A strategy for hard puzzles
Rare letters are easier to find than common ones. Teach children to look for the two t's in poinsettia, or the k in nutcracker, rather than starting with an e. Then check in all eight directions around that letter.
Ways to use it
- Timed challenge: how many words can you find in ten minutes?
- Dictionary work: choose three words and write a definition for each.
- Team race: pairs share a sheet during the last week before break.
The solution is on its own page, so you can print the puzzle alone and keep the answers for later.