Context Clues Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Context Clues Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this context clues puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our reading comprehension unit. The kids would skip over words they didn't know instead of using the surrounding sentences to figure them out. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like synonym, antonym, example, definition, clue, sentence, meaning, unknown, infer, predict, connect, compare, contrast, describe, and explain. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the context clue strategies finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether a synonym clue or an antonym clue is easier to spot. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple magnifying glass and book drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write a sentence with a made-up word and give a context clue for it on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.