Reading Comprehension Signal Words word search, scramble and crossword

Reading Comprehension Signal Words word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this reading comprehension signal words puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our reading unit. The kids could read a paragraph but had no idea how words like "first," "next," or "finally" helped them follow the order of events. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like first, next, then, finally, after, before, meanwhile, during, earlier, later, soon, eventually, at last, in conclusion, and to summarize. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the transition signal words 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 "meanwhile" means at the same time or later. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple arrow and timeline drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write three steps for getting ready for school using signal words on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.