Tion and Sion Words Crossword, Word Search and Scramble

Spelling Patterns -tion-sion word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this spelling patterns puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our word study unit. The kids could read words like "nation" and "television" but had no idea when to use -tion versus -sion. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using -tion words like nation, action, attention, direction, fiction, fraction, mention, option, question, and vacation, and -sion words like television, division, decision, explosion, invasion, mission, passion, permission, session, and vision. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the spelling patterns 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 "discussion" ends with -sion or -tion. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple star and pencil drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers list two -tion words and two -sion words on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.