Novel Study Vocabulary Strategies word search, scramble and crossword

Novel Study Vocabulary Strategies word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this novel study vocabulary strategies puzzle set for my 4th graders during our novel unit. The kids could read the words but had no idea what strategies like context clues, vocabulary, or glossary meant when we talked about figuring out new words. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like context clues, vocabulary, glossary, dictionary, predict, infer, and text feature. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the novel study vocabulary strategies 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 dictionary and glossary are the same thing. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple book, magnifying glass, and lightbulb drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write a sentence using a new vocabulary word from their novel on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.