Grade 3 Multiplication Words word search, scramble and crossword puzzl

Grade 3 Multiplication Words word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this multiplication words puzzle set for my 3rd graders during our math unit. The kids could solve simple multiplication problems but had no idea what words like factor, product, or array meant when we started using the vocabulary. They also kept mixing up "times" and "multiply" because they're used in different contexts but mean the same thing. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like multiply, times, factor, product, array, equal groups, repeated addition, equation, number sentence, and times table . I also included a few like "division" and "inverse" because they kept coming up when we talked about the relationship between multiplication and division . Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the 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 independent practice. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about the spelling of "multiplication" (it's a long one) or whether a product is always the answer to a multiplication problem (it is—they always have opinions about it) . The crossword I use for partners or as a review, and I usually have an array of counters or a multiplication chart nearby for the kids who need the visual support to see the concepts . I added a couple simple arrays of stars and equal groups of blocks but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 4th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write a multiplication sentence and label the factors and product on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.