Nonfiction Text Structure word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Nonfiction Text Structure word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this nonfiction text structure puzzle set for my 4th graders during our reading unit. The kids could read nonfiction but had no idea how to tell if the author was comparing things, explaining a sequence, or describing a cause and effect. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like description, sequence, chronological, compare, contrast, cause, effect, problem, solution, order, steps, similarities, differences, reason, result, and answer. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the five text structures finally click.

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 the difference between sequence and chronological order. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple list and arrow drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers name one clue word for cause and effect on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.