Informational Text Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzz

Informational Text Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this informational text vocabulary puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our nonfiction reading unit. The kids could read facts but had no idea what words like text feature, heading, or caption meant when we talked about the parts of nonfiction books. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like text feature, heading, subheading, caption, diagram, label, photograph, table, map, and glossary. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the informational text 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 indoor recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether a caption goes above or below a photo. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple book, magnifying glass, and globe drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers find a text feature in a nonfiction book and name it on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.