Self-Esteem Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this self-esteem puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our social-emotional learning unit. The kids could be hard on themselves but had no idea what words like confidence, value, or unique meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like self-esteem, confidence, believe, value, worth, proud, strong, capable, unique, special, talent, skill, effort, improve, mistake, learn, grow, kind, respect, and yourself. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the self-esteem 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. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether everyone is good at something. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple mirror, heart, and star drawings but nothing too busy.

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