Newspaper Word Scramble with Search and Crossword

Newspaper Vocabulary Word Search, Scramble and Crossword Puzzle

I made this newspaper vocabulary puzzle set for my Grade 3 and Grade 4 students during our media unit. The kids had seen newspapers but had no idea what words like headline, article, or classifieds meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like masthead, dateline, caption, column, section, op ed, pull quote, letter to the editor, classified, comic strip, horoscope, obituary, folio, crossword, and front page. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the newspaper terms finally stick.

The PDF is six pages. Three puzzles plus an answer key page for each. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about which section has the funnies. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple newspaper and cartoon face drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for Grades 3 through 5. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers look at a real newspaper and name three sections they see on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.