US states Word Search

Pair the puzzle with a wall map or an atlas. Each time a child finds a state, they point to it on the map and say one thing about its location. Ten to fifteen minutes works for most pages. Students can also color the states on a blank map as they find them. At home, use it on a road trip to spot states you pass. The answer key and Solve online are both available.

Learning state names means recognizing spelling as well as location. Short names (OHIO, IOWA, UTAH) come first, then mid-length names (NEVADA, OREGON, KANSAS), then the long ones such as OKLAHOMA and VIRGINIA. Some pairs look alike to young readers, such as OHIO and IOWA or INDIANA and MONTANA. Finding each in the grid builds a first picture of how the names look in print. A blank outline map to color is the usual next step, then capitals for older students.

Easy at 10x10 uses short names like OHIO, UTAH and TEXAS, good for second and third grade starting a map unit. Medium at 15x15 adds diagonals and names such as MONTANA and ARIZONA. Hard at 20x20 includes long names and backwards placement. Enter up to 30 words in My own words to focus on one region.

Does the puzzle use state abbreviations or full names?

Full names, such as OHIO, TEXAS and OKLAHOMA. The grids contain only state names in capital letters, so students practice the spelling they will use on maps and tests.

Can I focus on one region, like the Southwest?

Yes. Switch to My own words and enter up to 30 names, for example ARIZONA, TEXAS and UTAH. You will get a new grid with its own answer key.

What grade is a states word search for?

Usually second through fifth grade, when map skills begin. Easy fits second grade, Medium third and fourth, and Hard stretches fifth graders with long names and backwards words.