Vocabulary Word Search Puzzles for Use with Hatchet by Gary Paulsen | Grades 5-9

This Hatchet word search pack helps students review vocabulary from Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, written for Grades 5-9. It is a no-prep 48-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
• Grades: 5th–9th
• Resource type: Word search
• Format: 48-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 1 Week
• Standards: L.5.4, L.6.4, L.7.4, L.8.4, L.9-10.4
• Price: $3.00

Bring the survival-rich vocabulary of Hatchet to life with this no-prep word search puzzle pack, designed for use with Gary Paulsen’s classic novel. 12 puzzles span all 19 narrative chapters, helping your students master 180 key terms while following Brian’s harrowing journey through the Canadian wilderness.

If you’re looking for a way to reinforce vocabulary without adding to your planning load, this pack is it. Just print and go — everything is ready the moment you need a warm-up, a literacy center, or a stack of meaningful sub plans.

What’s Included:

• 10 chapter-grouped word search puzzles — one per unit, perfectly paced to your reading schedule, covering all 19 chapters
• 2 cumulative whole-book review puzzles — draw on characters, settings, plot events, and key objects for pre-assessment or end-of-unit fun
• 15 carefully selected words per puzzle — a total of 180 Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary terms drawn directly from the text (wilderness, fuselage, tinder, refraction, and more)
• Answer keys for every puzzle — quick grading or easy self-checking
• Well-illustrated with thematic artwork — clean, engaging designs that appeal to Grades 5–9
• Available in both full-color and black & white versions — ink-saving options included
• 48 pages of student-friendly activities

Use these puzzles as warm-ups, literacy centers, early finisher tasks, independent reading homework, or no-prep sub plans. They keep students on task — even reluctant readers — because word searches feel more like a brain break than a worksheet, while still building real vocabulary skills.

These activities target essential Common Core Language standards (L.5.4–L.9.4 and L.5.6–L.9.6), reinforcing the ability to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and to acquire and use grade-appropriate academic and domain-specific vocabulary from the novel.

Get this resource on Teachers Pay Teachers today and have your class ready to go in minutes — no prep, no stress, just solid vocabulary practice.

Disclaimer:

This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. 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 Hatchet resources

All Hatchet activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 5-9 (TpT lists 5th-9th).

How long is it?

It is a 48-page printable PDF. Suggested teaching time: 1 Week.

Are answer keys included?

Yes. Answer keys are included.

Do students need their own copy of Hatchet?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, so students need their own copy.

How do I get this resource?

It is sold on Teachers Pay Teachers ($3.00) as a PDF download. Use the Buy on TpT button on this page.