Memoir Writing Terms word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this memoir writing terms puzzle set for my 4th graders during our writing unit. The kids could tell stories from their lives but had no idea what words like memoir, memory, or moment meant when we talked about writing about a specific time in our lives. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like memoir, memory, moment, feeling, I, remember, detail, small, big, and true. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the memoir writing 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 memoir has to be about something big or can be about a small moment. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple book, thought bubble, and star drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one small moment from their life they could turn into a memoir on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.