Genres of Literature word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Genres of Literature word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this genres of literature puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our reading unit. The kids could say they liked mystery or funny books but had no idea what words like fiction, nonfiction, or fantasy meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, mystery, realistic fiction, historical fiction, science fiction, biography, autobiography, folktale, fairy tale, poetry, drama, and graphic novel. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the genre names 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 Star Wars is science fiction or fantasy. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple book stack and mask drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers name their favorite genre and give an example on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.