Neighborhood Helpers word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Neighborhood Helpers word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this neighborhood helpers puzzle set for my 1st and 2nd graders during our community unit. The kids knew about police and firefighters but had no idea what words like crossing guard, sanitation worker, or doctor meant when we talked about people who help us. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like police, firefighter, teacher, doctor, nurse, crossing guard, sanitation worker, mail carrier, librarian, dentist, and vet. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the helpers 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 mail carrier is the same as a mailman. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple police hat, fire truck, and mail bag drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for K through 2nd grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers name their favorite community helper and why on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.