Welcome your students back with a fun brain teaser! This Back to School word search is packed with 40 words related to school life — ideal for morning work, early finishers, or the first week back. There’s also a 10-word version in my shop for younger learners or quicker sessions.

You will receive four files in total, each containing identical words. The differences between the files are as follows:

• Version 1: In the top right corner, you’ll find an apple with the letter "E" for easy. The words are hidden horizontally and vertically, making the puzzle suitable for all students. Available in US and UK spelling.
• Version 2: This sheet is marked with the letter "D" for difficult. The words are hidden in ALL directions: horizontally forwards and backwards, vertically from top to bottom and bottom to top, and even diagonally forwards and backwards. It will be a huge challenge for your students. To make it easier for you, I’ve highlighted the first letter of each word in the answer key in orange. Available in US and UK spelling.
  

And the best? No need to worry about preparation - simply print and you're good to go!

Why choose word searches?
They're fun and keep everyone engaged while boosting vocabulary and language skills. Additionally, this activity stimulates cognitive functions, including memory and pattern recognition.

What is included?
It includes 4 black-and-white PDF pages with 40 must-know words for the back-to-school season. It comes with answer keys. Available in US and UK spelling. The following words are included in the word searches:

• school
• welcome
• backpack (US) / schoolbag (UK)
• books
• tablet
• bus
• crayons
• desk
• homework
• lunch
• math (US) / maths (UK)
• pencil
• principal (US) / headteacher (UK)
• teachers
• reading
• ruler
• scissors
• students
• spelling
• calendar
• cafeteria (US) / canteen (UK)
• friends
• science
• English
• notebook
• art
• glue
• recess (US) / breaktime (UK)
• classroom
• nurse
• tests
• alphabet
• chairs
• education
• library
• eraser (US) / rubber (UK)
• music
• markers
• whiteboard
• paintbrush

Perfect for:
✅ Morning work
✅ Centers
✅ Homework
✅ All ages
✅ Back to school activity
✅ Repetition

No-prep:
Just print and go!

This Material is in English.

Wishing you and your students a fantastic start to the school year!
Steff

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Copyright © 2025 Stefanie Bryan @ SIMBA Trainers Education.
All rights reserved by the author. Permission to copy for one teacher only.