Simple and Compound Sentences word search, scramble and crossword puzz

Simple and Compound Sentences word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this simple and compound sentences puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our writing unit. The kids could write basic sentences but had no idea how to combine two ideas or what made a sentence simple versus compound. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like simple sentence, compound sentence, subject, predicate, independent clause, conjunction, comma, and, but, or, so, and FANBOYS. Examples include I ran (simple) and I ran, but I was late (compound). Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the sentence structure finally click.

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 a compound sentence needs a comma before the conjunction. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple plus sign and equal sign drawings but nothing too busy.

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