Vocabulary Tier 2 Words word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this Tier 2 vocabulary puzzle set for my 4th graders during our reading and writing unit. The kids knew basic everyday words but had no idea what academic words like "analyze," "conclude," or "contribute" meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like analyze, conclude, contribute, demonstrate, describe, develop, evaluate, explain, identify, infer, interpret, observe, predict, summarize, support, and trace. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the cross-curricular academic 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 "summarize" is the same as "retell." The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple thought bubble and dictionary drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers use one of the words in a sentence on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.