Folk Art Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Folk Art Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this folk art vocabulary puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our art and culture unit. The kids could see crafts and handmade objects but had no idea what words like folk art, tradition, or handmade meant when I tried to explain the difference between folk art and fine art. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like folk art, craft, handmade, tradition, culture, community, story, symbol, pattern, folk artist, fiber art, quilting, pottery, wood carving, and tin work. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the folk art 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 indoor recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether a quilt is art or just something you sleep under. The crossword I use for partners or as a review after a lesson. I added a couple simple quilt, clay pot, and carved wood drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers name one type of folk art from their own family or community on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.