Inference Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this inference vocabulary puzzle set for my 4th graders during our reading comprehension unit. The kids could read a story but had no idea how to read between the lines or what words like infer, clue, or conclusion meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like infer, inference, clue, evidence, conclusion, predict, guess, context, prior knowledge, schema, read between the lines, implicit, explicit, hint, and logical. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the inferencing vocabulary finally click.

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 an inference is always correct. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple magnifying glass and puzzle piece drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers make an inference about what their teacher ate for breakfast on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.