Easy Back to School Word Search
Short words in a small grid, running only across and down. Good for beginners, early readers and a relaxed few minutes.
Start the year with a back to school word search full of backpacks, pencils, recess, and the people and places kids will see on day one. It's an easy first-week activity for early finishers, a calm way to settle a new class, and a fun countdown activity at home in late August.
Easy Back to School Word Search
Find and circle every word in the list. Words go across and down.
- BOOK
- BUS
- DESK
- GLUE
- PAPER
- PEN
- PENCIL
- READ
- RULER
- WRITE
Easy Back to School Word Search 2
Find and circle every word in the list. Words go across and down.
- ART
- BELL
- CLASS
- FRIEND
- GYM
- LUNCH
- MATH
- PAPER
- READ
- RECESS
- RULER
- WRITE
Easy Back to School Word Search — Answer Key
Easy Back to School Word Search 2 — Answer Key
About this back to school word search
- Use the easy version as first-week morning work; it keeps students settled while you take attendance, collect forms, and sort supplies.
- A word search doubles as a quick observation tool on day one: you can see who scans systematically, who gets stuck, and who jumps in to help a neighbor.
- Have students copy each found word neatly on the back of the page for a low-stakes handwriting and spelling sample to keep on file.
Want a different version? Make your own word search with these words, a shaped grid, or bent words.
Words in these puzzles
busdeskbookpenpencilgluerulerpaperreadwritemathartgymclasslunchrecessfriendbell
Frequently asked questions
›Is this back to school word search free to print?
Yes. Print it straight from your browser or download the PDF, which includes 2 puzzles and their answer keys. No sign-up needed.
›Where is the answer key?
The answer keys print on their own pages after the puzzles, and they are in the PDF too. Every word is highlighted, so checking is quick.
›Can I make my own back to school word search?
Yes. Press "Customize this puzzle" to open it in the word search maker. There you can add or remove words, change the grid size, pick a shape or add a hidden message.