Perimeter and Area word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Perimeter and Area word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this perimeter and area puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our measurement unit. The kids could measure length but kept mixing up perimeter and area, especially when I asked them which was which. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like perimeter, area, distance, around, outside, inside, cover, square units, length, width, side, add, multiply, rectangle, and formula. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the difference 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 you add or multiply to find perimeter. The crossword I use for partners with shape clues. I added a couple simple rectangle drawings with numbers on sides and shaded inside for area but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers find the perimeter and area of a 4 by 6 rectangle on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.