Word Search & Crossword Bundle for Use with Where the Red Fern Grows by Rawls

These Where the Red Fern Grows vocabulary activities combine word search and crossword puzzles for Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls in one bundle, written for Grades 5-8. It is a no-prep 96-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
• Grades: 5th–8th
• Resource type: Bundle: word searches + crosswords
• Format: 96-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 2 Weeks
• Standards: L.5.4, L.6.4, L.7.4, L.8.4, RL.5.1, RL.5.4, RL.6.1, RL.6.4 and more
• Price: $5.40

Give your students a complete vocabulary and comprehension puzzle experience for the entire novel—all in one money-saving bundle! This no-prep pack combines word searches and crosswords designed for use with Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, giving you flexible activities that work from the first chapter straight through to the sacred red fern.

Stop piecing together resources or buying two separate products. This bundle puts 12 word search puzzles and 12 crossword puzzles at your fingertips—enough to keep your class meaningfully engaged through every chapter grouping, plus a whole-book review. And with answer keys for everything, you’ll have zero prep from start to finish.

What’s Included:

Word Search Puzzle Pack (12 puzzles):

• 10 unit puzzles covering all 19 narrative chapters in their natural groupings (I–II, III–IV, V–VI, VII–VIII, IX–X, XII–XIII, XIV–XV, XVI, XVII–XVIII, XIX–XX) plus 2 whole-book cumulative review puzzles
• 15 chapter-specific words per puzzle, pulling from characters, settings, plot-action verbs, and academic vocabulary
• Builds word recognition, spelling, and scanning skills

Crossword Puzzle Pack (12 puzzles):

• The same 10-unit puzzles plus 2 full-novel crosswords, featuring 150 original clues
• Clue types include definition-based, character-identity, plot-event, vocabulary-in-context, and inference questions—echoing the novel’s reverent tone
• Requires students to recall, infer, and connect rather than simply match words

Both packs include:

• Complete teacher answer keys for every puzzle—just print and go
• Beautifully illustrated pages with thematic artwork (red ferns, coonhounds, mountain lions, and Ozark scenes) Full-color and black-and-white versions for every page so you can choose ink-saving printing
• Approximately 96 pages total, with at-a-glance teacher notes for easy planning

Use this bundle for bell-ringers, literacy centers, early finishers, homework, sub plans, novel study checkpoints, end-of-unit reviews, or independent practice.

The word searches reinforce vocabulary acquisition, while the crosswords challenge students to cite textual evidence and determine word meanings in context. Together, they align with Common Core standards RL.5-8.1, RL.5-8.4, L.5-8.4, and L.5-8.6.

Get the bundle and save! Buying both packs separately would cost $9.00—this bundle brings you all 24 puzzles for just $6.99, giving you over 20% savings and a complete novel-long vocabulary activity set. Get this resource on Teachers Pay Teachers today and have your entire puzzle-based novel companion ready in minutes!

Disclaimer:

This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the author or publisher. All references to characters, settings, and events are used for educational purposes only to support reading comprehension and classroom instruction. This resource does not include the original text. Students must have their own copy of the book to complete the activities. All content in this resource is original and created by the seller.

Fonts Used:
Roboto by Christian Robertson | Open Sans by Steve Matteson | Playfair Display by Claus Eggers Sørensen | Lexend by Dr. Bonnie Shaver-Troup & Thomas Jockin | Poppins by Jonny Pinhorn | Montserrat by Julieta Ulanovsky
(All fonts are available via Google Fonts and licensed for commercial use under the SIL Open Font License.)

More Where the Red Fern Grows resources

All Where the Red Fern Grows activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 5-8 (TpT lists 5th-8th).

How long is it?

It is a 96-page printable PDF. Suggested teaching time: 2 Weeks.

Are answer keys included?

Yes. Answer keys are included.

Do students need their own copy of Where the Red Fern Grows?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, so students need their own copy.

How do I get this resource?

It is sold on Teachers Pay Teachers ($5.40) as a PDF download. Use the Buy on TpT button on this page.