Spelling Patterns -tion-sion Word Search, Scramble and Crossword Puzzle

I made this spelling patterns puzzle set for my Grade 3 and Grade 4 students during our word study unit. The kids could read words like "nation" and "television" but had no idea when to use -tion versus -sion. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using -tion words like nation, action, attention, direction, and option, and -sion words like television, division, decision, passion, permission, session, and vision. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the spelling patterns finally stick.

The PDFs are six pages. Three puzzles, each with its own answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether "discussion" ends with -sion or -tion. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple star and pencil drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for Grade 3 through Grade 5. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers list two -tion words and two -sion words on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.