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Description
Word Searches: Informational Packet and Freebies! In addition to including 2 FREE word search puzzles, this pack also includes information about word searches and the use of them in the classroom. Do they have any benefits? I like to say 'the brain is working while the kids are searching', and I would love to share my thoughts.
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When it comes to word searches, there are typically two views, and they go something like this.....
➼ I love using word searches in the classroom. My students love them, too. They are great for exercising the brain, introducing vocabulary, working with spelling, and even patterns.
➼ I hate word search puzzles. They are a waste of time and they have no place in the classroom.
I can respect everyone's views , but I happen to think word search puzzles do have a place in the classroom when used properly. This pack explains my thoughts, as well as gives you two FREE word search puzzles as a bonus. You will also find links to my word search bundled pack and my fact find search pack.
Even if you embrace the second point of view, I hope that you will enjoy reading the information. I have included some links to websites, a podcast, and even a thesis study on the use of word searches to improve gains when learning vocabulary. There is much more information available, but I think I provided enough to support my views.
I really appreciate you taking the time to stop by my store.
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How might you use word search puzzles?
✓Early Finishers Activities
✓A literacy center if your students write about some of the words listed on the word search.
✓Keep on hand when students have few minutes before or after working on an assignment. Use those few minutes to exercise the brain and review vocabulary.
✓Last minute sub activity or leave as extra work for a sub to review.
✓English as second language vocabulary review
✓Use ten words in a sentence or state the definition to give you an idea of what they know about each word.
✓Quiet morning work activity for students on the day of the holiday or the day you are introducing the topic shown on the word search. It's a great way to get them thinking about the day's topic.
✓Use the words in a short informational telling about what they have learned related to the topic.
✓Glue the word search in their writing notebooks to have a list of words for future writing topics.
✓The list goes on and on for ways to incorporate the words into lessons and not use them "just as a word search". Use it as a tool, and be creative!
Click HERE to see my BUNDLED pack of puzzles.
For more creative lesson ideas, click on 'elementary lesson plans' by my picture above.
Please, if you ever notice I have overlooked adding a word to the puzzle, please send me a message before you rate the product. I try to double check, but it is possible for me to miss one with so many letters to add to the puzzle. I can get it corrected in a jiffy. Thanks so much! :-)
