December Word Search

Print a stack for the last week before winter break, when attention is short. Easy has words and takes about five minutes. Medium and Hard run longer, which can fill a whole indoor recess. Give each child a different sheet with the 5 versions switch so neighbors cannot copy. For a class party, use My own words and type up to 30 names or traditions from your own celebration. Solve online suits a tablet station.

The list sticks to winter words and cozy scenes, so children read with enthusiasm. Easy words such as ELF, ICE and SLED are short and concrete. In Medium, WARM, PINE and GLOW come with consonant clusters that children practice at this age. Hard adds EVERGREEN, WRAPPING, DECORATE and BLIZZARD, longer words that are good for syllable practice. Children often find RED and GIFT first and then search for longer words like ORNAMENT, which means scanning with patience.

Ages 5 to 7 do well on Easy, where words run only across and down. Medium adds diagonals for grades 2 and 3. Hard fits older kids and adults who like a bigger board. December is busy, so keep the answer key printed for a helper and skip the sheet-by-sheet checking yourself.

Do the words fit a mixed classroom?

The list focuses on winter and the season in general, with words like SNOW, COLD and WARM, plus gift and tree words. For a different set of traditions, use My own words.

How can I use this in a class party station?

Print Easy and Medium versions, place them with pencils and a timer, and let students pick. The answer key sits at the teacher's table so children can check their own work.

What is a good quiet activity for the last day before break?

Hard in the 20x20 grid, with words, can last a long time. Pair students so they share a sheet, or let them work alone with Solve online on a tablet.