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Word Search for 2nd Graders

10 free PDFsUS Letter or A4Answer key includedNo login

Ten 12 by 12 word searches with words second graders can read, for the four seasons and favorite themes, each with an answer key.

Download the word search worksheets

Seasons word searches

A 12 by 12 puzzle for each season, with words a second grader can read.

Themed word searches

Puzzles about school, animals, the ocean, space, community helpers and sports.

Print at 100% (actual size) for the cleanest tracing lines.

About these word search worksheets

Word searches are a quiet, fun way for second graders to look closely at how words are spelled. Finding a word in a grid means holding its letters in order in your head and scanning carefully, which is good practice for reading and spelling.

These word searches for 2nd graders use 12 by 12 grids with 11 or 12 words each. The word bank has no pictures, because second graders read the words themselves. Half of the puzzles have words across and down only, and half add words on a slant for more challenge. Every puzzle has an answer key on page 2.

Standards

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.4.ARead grade-level text with purpose and understanding.

How to use them

  1. Read the word bank together first and talk about any new words.
  2. Show your child how to look for the first letter of a word, then check the letters around it.
  3. Check off each word in the bank when it is found.
  4. Use the across-and-down puzzles first, then the ones with slanted words.

Teaching tips

  • Find long words first. They are easier to spot.
  • Each word appears only once in the grid, and words never share letters.
  • Use a puzzle as an early finisher or a calm-down activity.
  • After the puzzle, have your child write three of the words in a sentence.

Questions teachers and parents ask

How hard are these word searches?

They use 12 by 12 grids with 11 or 12 words. Half go across and down only, and half also go on a slant.

Are there answer keys?

Yes. Every puzzle has an answer key on page 2 with each word circled.

Which themes are included?

Fall, winter, spring, summer, school, animals, the ocean, space, community helpers and sports.