A Word Search Suggestion
Here is how I use "word find" activities when students ask for them.
We all know about them - word searches, word finds. A young learner staple. There are tons out there, we even have many in the lesson library.
Students skim and scan letters to find words. Sometimes they race to be first. It keeps them busy and the room quiet. However, they aren’t very “learning” friendly and that’s a problem.
I’ve always eschewed them but from time to time, I’ve caved and let students do them. For end of year parties, review or sometimes just some downtime after lots of “serious” lessons.
But here is the catch - I get students to make their own!
Believe it or not, students love it and believe it or not, it really builds several different skills. Students must pay attention to detail. They by far, review the vocabulary more. Plus, they get the satisfaction of “making” and producing a product they are proud of.
I just returned from teaching young learners and they all were saying, “Teacher X does word finds - why don’t we?” It was a busy, busy, period of study. Intensive.
So, for review after doing a lesson on the Chinese New Year Zodiac, I got them to create a word search for it. Here’s how I did it and maybe it’ll work for you.
Decide on a topic. Perhaps a review of the theme.
Give students a Word Find template. Write the topic name as a title. Here are some templates to use.
Next, students write their chosen words under the word search grid. Students optionally can add a “Secret Word” - the word shouldn’t be written, just the places for the letters and a hint.
Example - Secret Word: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Hint - A bird.(Optional). I often get students to draw pictures beside the words. Kids love drawing and it also will help students learn the words.
Then, students add the words to the word find grid. Be careful! Students should check mark each word after it is added to the word find, so they don’t miss putting any into the grid.
Lastly, students “hide” their words by filling in the word find grid with random letters, including their secret word if used.
Then, PLAY! As a teacher check it and then have students trade papers and do each other’s word searches. Have a race and awards if you want.
I like doing word searches this way. You’ll find the first time, some students won’t be careful and will make careless mistakes. But they’ll learn when other students scold them after not being able to complete the word find!
