Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Easter Word Search - KS 1 & 2
- StageKey Stage 1
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Easter Word Search is a free printable literacy activity for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (ages 5 and over). Children find a list of Easter themed words hidden in a picture of a basket. They can then colour the basket in. It takes about 15 to 25 minutes and needs a pencil and some colouring pens or pencils.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print the sheet in colour or black and white. Black and white works well because the colouring is part of the fun.
What is on the sheet
Children look at a grid of letters inside an Easter basket and search for the Easter words listed on the sheet. They scan the letters carefully, spot each word, and mark it so they know it is done. Once the words are found, they can colour the basket and the letters in. Younger children can look for one word at a time. Older children can work faster and check their spelling.
Word search tips
Read the list first
Say each word aloud before you start. Notice how long it is and which letter it begins with. This gives your eyes something to hunt for.
Hunt for the first letter
Scan the grid for the first letter of one word. Each time you find it, check the letters next to it. Most will be wrong, and that is fine.
Look in every direction the puzzle allows
Words usually run across or down. Some puzzles also use diagonals or backwards words. Check the sheet, and start with across and down if you are unsure.
Mark and tick off
Circle or colour over each word you find, then tick it on the list. This stops children searching for the same word twice.
Why Easter words?
Easter is celebrated in spring. For Christians it marks the resurrection of Jesus, and many families also enjoy traditions such as decorating eggs, giving chocolate eggs, and Easter egg hunts. The date of Easter Sunday changes from year to year. Children in England often meet Easter themes in assemblies, classroom displays and shops, so the vocabulary is familiar and they are keen to spot it.
Word searches are a gentle way to practise reading and spelling. Children have to look closely at letter order, which is exactly what careful spelling needs. A themed list gives every word a context, so children link the spelling to a meaning. The colouring adds a calm, creative ending and makes the sheet feel like a treat.
Easter facts for children
- Easter happens in spring, when many flowers bloom and baby animals are born.
- Easter Sunday is on a different date each year.
- Eggs are a symbol of new life, which is why they are linked with Easter.
- Hot cross buns are a traditional treat in the UK around Good Friday.
- Many children in the UK enjoy an Easter egg hunt, where they search for hidden chocolate eggs.
Skills and curriculum link
- Spelling awareness
- Word recognition
- Visual scanning
- Concentration
- Fine motor control
- Colouring
Ideas that help with word searches
- Letter orderA word is a string of letters in a fixed order. Check every letter, not just the first one.
- Word lengthCount the letters in the word on the list. If a string in the grid is shorter or longer, it is not the match.
- Tricky pairsLetter pairs like ch, sh and tt can look alike in a grid. Read slowly and say the sounds as you look.
- Systematic searchingSearch row by row, from the top. A steady pattern finds words faster than jumping around.
Key words
- Word searchA puzzle where words are hidden in a grid of letters.
- GridA set of squares in rows and columns, each holding one letter.
- RowA line of letters going across the grid.
- ColumnA line of letters going down the grid.
- DiagonalA slanting line of letters, going corner to corner.
- ThemeThe topic that links the words together. Here it is Easter.
How to use it
- Print the sheet. Check your child has a pencil and some colours ready.
- Read the Easter words on the list together. Say each one slowly and talk about what it means.
- Search for one word at a time. Circle it or colour it lightly when found, then tick it off the list.
- If a word is hard to find, give a clue such as the first letter or which part of the basket to try.
- Colour in the basket when every word is found. Talk about your favourite Easter word and why.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Choose a few words to find first, not the whole list. Look for the first letter and run a finger along the row. Say each word out loud. A ruler or piece of card under each row helps eyes stay on one line.
To stretch confident children
Cover the word list and try to find the words from memory, then check your spelling. Or write a short Easter sentence using three of the words. Then make a word search of your own for a friend to solve.
Make it a game
Race a partner. Each player has a copy of the sheet. Call out a word, and the first to find and circle it scores a point. Swap who calls the word. The player with the most points wins.
Talk about it
- Which Easter word was the hardest to find, and why?
- What do you like best about Easter?
- Which words on the list have double letters?
- Can you think of another Easter word that is not on the list?
- How did you decide where to start looking?
- What colours will you use for your basket, and why?
Take it off the page
Egg hunt with word cards
Write Easter words on paper eggs and hide them around a room. Children find them, read each word aloud and put them in a basket.
Spring walk
Go outside and look for signs of spring such as blossom, buds and new leaves. Write a short list of the words you use to describe them.
Decorate a paper egg
Cut out an egg shape and decorate it with patterns. Write a favourite Easter word on the back and practise spelling it.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit with your child for the first word, then let them search alone. Praise careful looking, not just speed. It makes a calm activity for the school holidays or a quiet moment before Easter.
Teachers
Use it as an early finisher task, a spring term starter or a calm Friday activity near Easter. It supports spelling and word reading, and the picture format keeps it accessible for mixed ability groups.
Home educators
Home educators can use the word list as a spelling set for the week. Search first, then practise writing each word from memory. Add the offline ideas to make a short Easter themed morning.
Where this fits in learning
Before a word search, children learn letter sounds, read simple words and begin to notice how words are built. Matching a printed word to a hidden one uses the same skill as careful reading and spelling.
After this, children can try longer word searches, simple crosswords or spelling lists with a theme. In writing, they can use the words in sentences and short pieces about spring or Easter.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is the Easter Word Search for?
It is made for children aged 5 and over, across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Younger children can search for a few words at a time. Older children can find them all quickly and move on to the stretch ideas.
- How long does it take?
Most children take 15 to 25 minutes, including the colouring. Younger children may prefer to split it over two short sessions. There is no time limit, so let your child work at their own pace.
- What do I need to print and use it?
You need a printer, paper and a pencil. Colouring pens or pencils are useful for the basket picture. Black and white printing works well because the colouring is part of the activity.
- Does the sheet need any religious knowledge?
No. Children only need to find the words on the list. You can talk about what each word means if you wish, and families can link the activity to Easter traditions in their own way.
- How can I help a child who cannot find a word?
Give a small clue, such as the first letter or whether the word runs across or down. Ask them to say the word slowly and look for each sound. Avoid pointing straight to the word at first.
- Can I use it in the classroom?
Yes. It works as an early finisher task, a settling activity or a themed spelling starter near Easter. It supports spelling and word reading, and the colouring makes it a calm end to a busy day.
- How can I make it harder?
Ask children to cover the list and recall the words, then write each one from memory. They can also use the words in sentences or create their own word search for a friend to solve.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.