Word Search & Crossword Bundle for Use with Splendors & Glooms by L Amy Schlitz

These Splendors and Glooms vocabulary activities combine word search and crossword puzzles for Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz in one bundle, written for Grades 4-7. It is a no-prep 96-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
• Grades: 4th–7th
• Resource type: Bundle: word searches + crosswords
• Format: 96-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 2 Weeks
• Standards: L.2.4, L.2.6, L.3.4, L.3.6, L.4.4, L.4.6, L.7.4, L.7.6 and more
• Price: $5.40

Give your students two complete, no-prep vocabulary and comprehension puzzle packs for Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz—and save money doing it. This bundle pairs the Word Search Puzzle Pack (12 puzzles, 200 terms) with the Crossword Puzzle Pack (12 puzzles, 200 clue-and-answer pairs), covering every chapter from Prologue through Epilogue.

Instead of hunting down separate resources, you get 24 puzzles and 400 total terms and clues in one place—all print-and-go, all teacher-ready with answer keys. The word searches build vocabulary recognition, spelling, and familiarity with Victorian-era words, while the crosswords push students into deeper territory: character analysis, plot recall, thematic inference, and vocabulary-in-context challenges. Together, they keep your upper-elementary and middle-school readers actively engaged with the novel’s Gothic atmosphere, complex characters, and layered themes.

What’s Included:

• 24 puzzles total — 10 chapter-group word searches + 10 chapter-group crosswords, each accompanied by 2 whole-book review puzzles for both formats
• 200 word search terms — character names, Victorian setting words, Tier 2/Tier 3 vocabulary (filigree, fantoccini, automaton), action words, and thematic terms
• 200 crossword clues — a mix of literal recall, vocabulary definitions, fill-in-the-blank, and higher-level inference and theme-based prompts, designed to meet students where they are
• Complete answer keys for every single puzzle — no guessing, no late-night prep
• Well-illustrated designs featuring atmospheric artwork that brings the novel’s puppetry and Gothic mood to life
• Full-color and black & white versions for every page — ink-friendly without sacrificing engagement
• Total 96 ready-to-use pages in total

Whether you’re running literacy centers, literature circles, guided reading, sub plans, homework, morning work, or end-of-novel review, this bundle has you covered. The word searches serve as perfect warm-ups and vocabulary check-ins; the crosswords make ideal chapter comprehension checks and Socratic seminar prep. Used together, they give students in grades 4–7 multiple ways to interact with the language and ideas of Splendors and Glooms.

Both packs align to key Common Core standards: the word search pack targets vocabulary acquisition (L.4.4–L.7.4; L.4.6–L.7.6), while the crossword pack adds standards for close reading and textual evidence (RL.4.1–RL.7.1; RL.4.4–RL.7.4) on top of those same language standards. You’re getting rigorous skill practice wrapped in a format kids genuinely enjoy.

Get this complete puzzle bundle on Teachers Pay Teachers today and have the entire novel covered—no prep, no stress, just engaged readers and meaningful word work.

Disclaimer:
This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz. 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 Splendors and Glooms resources

All Splendors and Glooms activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 4-7 (TpT lists 4th-7th).

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 Splendors and Glooms?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz, 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.