Vocabulary Words for 2nd Graders Word Puzzles

ELL Academic Vocabulary Grade 2 word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this academic vocabulary puzzle set for my 2nd graders during our reading and writing block. The kids could do the work but had no idea what words like "explain," "describe," or "compare" meant when I gave them directions. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like explain, describe, compare, contrast, identify, list, define, state, retell, infer, and predict. I also threw in a few key ELA terms like author, illustrator, title, setting, character, and plot because they come up in every read-aloud we do . Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the direction words 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 the difference between "explain" and "describe." The crossword I use for partners or as a warm-up before a lesson. I added a couple simple checkmark, pencil, and book drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 1st through 2nd grade, especially for English learners who need extra exposure to academic language. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers pick one word and use it in a sentence on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.