Social Studies Word Search for ELL Newcomers

ELL Social Studies Vocabulary for Newcomers word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this social studies vocabulary puzzle set for my newcomer ELL students during our first social studies unit. The kids knew some basic words but had no idea what words like map, country, or community meant in the context of social studies. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like map, country, city, town, family, home, school, community, rule, leader, flag, and celebrate. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the basic social studies vocabulary finally stick for students who are new to English.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or independent work. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether a city and a town are the same thing. The crossword I use for partners or as a warm-up before a lesson. I added a couple simple map, flag, and house drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for K through 3rd grade, especially for English learners who need extra visual support. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers draw one social studies word and label it on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.