Creative Writing Terms word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Creative Writing Terms word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this creative writing terms puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our writing unit. The kids could tell a story but had no idea what words like plot, setting, or dialogue meant when I asked them to include specific elements. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like plot, setting, character, conflict, resolution, theme, dialogue, narration, description, imagery, mood, tone, voice, point of view, first person, third person, and creative. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the creative writing vocabulary finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or during writing workshop. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether the plot and theme are the same thing. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple quill, notebook, and thought bubble drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers name one element they always include in their stories on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.