Memorial Day Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Memorial Day Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this Memorial Day vocabulary puzzle set for my 2nd and 3rd graders during our May unit. The kids loved the long weekend but had no idea what words like memorial, honor, or sacrifice meant when we talked about why we observe this holiday. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like Memorial Day, remember, honor, sacrifice, hero, soldier, military, service, freedom, courage, flag, grave, wreath, parade, and May. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the Memorial Day 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 the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple flag, wreath, and star drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 2nd through 4th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one way to honor fallen soldiers on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.