Perseverance Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this perseverance vocabulary puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our social-emotional learning unit. The kids could try hard things but had no idea what words like perseverance, persistence, or determination meant when we talked about not giving up. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like perseverance, persistence, determination, never give up, keep trying, tough, strong, and struggle. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the perseverance 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 never giving up is always the right answer. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple mountain climber and strong arm drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one time they showed perseverance on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.