Illustration Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this illustration vocabulary puzzle set for my 2nd and 3rd graders during our art and reading unit. The kids could look at pictures in books but had no idea what words like illustration, sketch, or caption meant when I asked them to describe what they saw. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like illustration, sketch, outline, color, shading, texture, detail, background, foreground, caption, panel, character, setting, mood, and visual. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the illustration 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 read aloud. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether the foreground is in front or behind. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple paintbrush, paper, and star drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 2nd through 4th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers draw a simple illustration on the back and label it. The kids actually ask for these now.