Narrative Writing Terms word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this narrative writing puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our writing unit. The kids could tell a story but had no idea what words like characters, setting, plot, or dialogue meant when I asked them to include them. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like character, setting, plot, conflict, resolution, narrator, dialogue, description, action, beginning, middle, end, problem, solution, and sequence. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the narrative terms finally stick.

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 a story needs a conflict to be interesting. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple open book and quill drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers name the characters and setting of their favorite book on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.