Orchestra Instruments word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Orchestra Instruments word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this orchestra instruments puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our music unit. The kids could name a few instruments but had no idea how an orchestra was organized into families or what words like string, woodwind, brass, or percussion meant in the context of a symphony. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, timpani, percussion, conductor, symphony, and orchestra. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the orchestra 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 music class. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about which section the French horn belongs to. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple violin and brass instrument drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers name one instrument from each orchestra family on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.