Grammar Puzzles and Games

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can’t Resist! 40 Super-Cool Crosswords, Codes, Mazes & More That Teach the Essential Rules of Grammar by Karen Kellaher

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Dedication Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

To Colin for all your love and support

And special thanks to Mr. Ed Miller, who made grammar fun for me

Scholastic Inc. grants teachers permission to photocopy the activity sheets from this book for classroom use. No other part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without written permission of the publisher. For permission, write to Scholastic Inc., 555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012.

Edited by Sylvia Charlesworth Cover design by Jaime Lucero Cover illustration by Mike Moran Interior design by Grafica, Inc. Interior illustration by Mike Moran

ISBN: 0-439-07756-7

Copyright © 2000 by Karen Kellaher. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Word Search Puzzles

Noun Hunt (common nouns) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Find the Verb (predicate of sentence). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Verbs Help Out (helping verbs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Good, Better, Best (comparing adjectives) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Noun Substitutes (pronouns) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Contraction Action (contractions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 For Short (abbreviations) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Snail (“Wraparound”) Puzzles

Single Minded (singular and plural nouns) In the Past (past tense verbs) . . . . . . . . . . Pick a Preposition (prepositions) . . . . . . . . Create a Word (compound words) . . . . . . . Which One (Won) Is It? (homonyms) . . . . . Do They Agree? (subject/verb agreement) .

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Crossword Puzzles

Make It Two! (plural nouns). . . . . . . Invisible Nouns (abstract nouns) . . . Where’s the Action? (action verbs) . . Pronoun Magic (pronouns) . . . . . . . Awesome Adverbs (adverbs). . . . . . . It’s Only Proper (proper adjectives) . Subject Search (subject of sentence)

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Contents

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Partner Stories

Food Fight! (common nouns) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Strangest Field Trip Ever (proper nouns) . . . Alien Adventure (present and past tense verbs) . . I See the Future! (future tense verbs) . . . . . . . . . Say It With Adjectives (adjectives) . . . . . . . . . . . . A Parts-of-Speech Circus (parts of speech review)

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35 36 37 38 39

Crack-the-Code Stories

A Pet Adventure (adverbs) . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepositions Show Position (prepositions) A Conjunction’s Function (conjunctions) . Hew, Wow! (interjections). . . . . . . . . . . . . To Be or Not To Be (the verb “to be”) . . . .

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Riddle Bubble Tests

A Capital Idea (using capital letters) . . . . . . Whose Is It? (possessive nouns). . . . . . . . . . The Genuine Articles (a, an, and the) . . . . . Using Contractions (contractions) . . . . . . . . Be Agreeable (subject/verb agreement) . . . . Is It a Sentence? (sentences and fragments) Be a Comma Cop! (comma placement). . . . . Sentence Enders (punctuation) . . . . . . . . . . Quotation Location (quotation marks) . . . . .

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Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Introduction

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

T

here is something about games and puzzles that motivates even the most reluctant learner. We see this clearly when we look at our own habits: As adults, few of us would jump at the chance to take a test on world history, literature, science, or geography. However, we rush to answer questions in these subject areas when they’re part of a trivia board game, TV quiz show, or Sunday newspaper crossword puzzle. Why? I believe it’s because the idea of a game or puzzle lends an exciting context to learning, and we achieve a real sense of accomplishment when we get the answers right. Children are no exception. When subject matter is part of a game or puzzle, students are more motivated to learn, to remember, and to apply the material. That’s the thinking behind Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can’t Resist!

Why Use Grammar Games? At Scholastic we recognize that grammar is not the easiest topic to teach. Too often, grammar seems like a collection of rules that must be memorized. Students have a hard time seeing its relevance to real life. And teachers sometimes have a difficult time changing students from the comfortable—but incorrect—grammar habits which the kids are used to using. It is our hope that Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can’t Resist! will make the teaching of grammar a little bit easier and a lot more fun. You’ll find crossword puzzles, word searches, code games, partner stories, and more. These are entertaining activities that children already love to do, so consider your battle half won! Some of the special features of this book include: •

Grammar “fast facts” with every activity. These reminders review the specific grammar concept the children need for each activity—right there on the reproducible. For example, when students are working with helping verbs, they’ll find a list of helping verbs right there on the page. When they are working with proper nouns, they’ll find a helpful reminder to always use a capital letter. That means your students will not have to look elsewhere for pertinent information.

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Opportunities for both independent and collaborative lear ning. Some of the activities— such as crosswords and word searches—are designed for students to complete individually. Others—such as the partner stories—are meant to be tackled in pairs or teams.

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Special attention to typical pr oblem areas. As veteran teachers know, some grammar rules are more troublesome than others. For example, many children have a hard time forming contractions, forming the past tense of irregular verbs, and choosing the homonym that makes sense in a sentence. This book addresses these tough topics clearly and decisively.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

How to Use the Book You may use the reproducible activities in any order. Here are some suggestions for making the most of them: 1.

Use each reproducible as an immediate follow-up to a grammar lesson to assess what students have learned. Because the activities include very simple instructions and grammar rule reminders, you can easily assign the activities as homework. I can assure you that your students won’t mind digging into these assignments!

2.

Use the reproducibles as part of a Grammar Learning Center where the focus changes each week. For example, while you are teaching about nouns, you may want to copy all of the activities that focus on nouns and store the activities in a designated spot in the classroom. Send students to the Grammar Learning Center when they finish work early, when you are working with small groups, or any other time individual students are looking for something to do. Invite students to make colorful posters of important grammar rules and use them to decorate your Learning Center.

3.

Consider having students check their own work. (Use the answer key on page 58 to post the answers on the board.) Then work with each student to highlight and focus on any problem areas.

4.

After students have completed the puzzles for a given grammar topic, invite them to create their own puzzles for classmates to work on. Younger students will enjoy making word search puzzles and simple crosswords on graph paper. Older students may want to try crafting their own riddle bubble tests and partner stories. (In either case, take a peek at the student-made activities before students exchange them. This will help avoid frustration in the event that a student-created puzzle is incorrect or incomplete.)

6

For Shor t

Match hunt each ab br for ea ch fu eviation to ll wo rd in the full wo the wo W E rd se rd it stand arch M Q puzz s for. Th P U N le. en

About the Puzzle Formats: A Special Note to Teachers

I A E X A T E L E D J R T R N B N D O C T V I S E V I O N G E I M P H O R A F O N E S Q K O T A T J A T M I D C P O Y H R L E G S S P L U N L C I F E T E S D S T V K S R A Y B R H O I R U D P A S T L B B R R A D S E A E O N E E A U G T N R N Y F E H E I C H O I P Q R I A A F T L I Z U A X F O J E S T M K L D J D A V R N E C E A N I A U A N U E E R M R Y B R W A B S C Q B ABBR EVIA I B TIO

Each of the puzzles in this book includes easy-to-follow directions. The puzzles are broken down as follows:

mon Abbr eviat ions

FAST FACT

Dr. Mr.

FULL WO RD

St. TV

L: Co m

An ab brev iat shor tened ion is a vers word ion of or ph a rase abbr . Som eviat ions e ods, use but ot perihers do no t.

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1. 2. 3. 4.

SK IL

____ _ a. ____ Octo _ ber uns b. ____ ral No Aven _ d Plu ue c. lar an ____ Ave. Doct Singu _ 8. or IL L: d. ____ Sat. Satu SK _ 9. rday e. __ Oct. ___ mile 10. s pe f. ____ r ho mph te me _ ur levisi 11. beco g. on ____ U.S. d -s to Calif _ 12. uns ad -es. Other orni h. ____ a Some no CA en Mist add _ er ely wh i. . Others ____ mplet plural Stre others _ ge co d still j. s chan , and et ____ ral, an noun _ sentence Unite me plu d St each k. ____ y beco all! Then in ates at Pe e. the ed _ lin ge tersy t letnn t chan lvani underlin on the l. e lasJa do no Th noun the noun a er. nu d. ral sw plu xt an ary m of zzle gri 5.

6.

Jan.

PA

7.

FACT FAST

Word Searches Students hunt for their answers in a letter grid. Answers may go across, down, or on the diagonal.

ed Mind

Single

ne pu for at the of the gular in the Look the sin lar noun first letter gu write rs. the sin will be the und corne er write aro e answ will go of on ers answ 2 Some

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9

1 8

3 10 14 13

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

7

Snails

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__ ______ ______ __ ______ ______ ______ __ ______ ______ ______ _____ ______ m. ______ syste ___ lar __ r so ______ ______ in ou ______ nets t. __ ___ pla ee ___ nine ______ the str ______ ere are here! lined ___ s Th yw ck _____ ___ an 1. ys d tru W ______ e ke rs an ritus __ ______ ho e the s. ___ ___ d. rd my 2. Ca d. ya roa oo find of ea backplu ______ borh ch sin ral es of the can’t ve ______ neigh _____ food. ___ no s ha sid 3. I gu is ___ ke un th me lar ma on on in th ______ ny ho pr th bo __ hills them ovch ______ 4. Ma ideesd. e lin help dit e the 1 ______ SK IL L: s to Theenover ______ ere arewrite a bik Plural lea2ve __ th ______ 5. Th ______ Noun intothride e plura ls in th3eir ar. ___ ye fun l. e crosemicals ___ s hool __ ______ is sc swor five feet tal 6. It’s puzzleve ch ______ ps th dr ______ nts ha grid.t unde ld tri _____ ______ 7. Pla ree fie is jus ______ m. on th . iela oo ___ ac rm ne dr __ be ? s go ______ e sto 8. Gr ______ in my giving ss ha by th 4 ______ r cla anks a jar less 5 ___ Th in Ou me ___ ies 9. ms at left ho penn were eat ya I save ily ren . fam 10 child your and 6 9 Does men, kels. 11. n, wo 7 me 10 l8 of nic Fifty et ful 12. y. pock e sk ve a ed th . I ha s fill 13 11 t light Brigh 14. 11

12

5

6

In these puzzles, the answers wrap around in the shape of a snail. The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next.

Mak e It

Crosswords

Two!

16

These crosswords are designed simply with elementary students in mind. All of the clues and answers relate to grammar. There are no “filler” words.

FAST FACT

12 14

17

13

15 16

ACR 3.

Som e no uns beco me plu add -s to ral. Ot add -es. hers Othe chan r noun ge when completel s y th al, an ey becom d sti ll othe e plurnot ch rs do ange at all !

O SS

one bana na; one man pres y iden one t; m ____ subj any ____ ect; one ____ man ____ DOW itch; ____ tives y ____ __ man N one Adjec ____ ____ y disk 1. ____ IL L: 14. ____ ; man __ onSK one ____ e pl ____ y tom 2. ____ ant; 17. ____ ato; __ one man one ____ man ____ waitr y telev 4. ____ y ____ ess; __ ision one ____ ____ m ____ foot ; man 6. ____ ____ ; man any ____ __ y one ____ ____ ____ y ____ de ____ 7. ____ er; m ____ ____ __ __ one ____ any words __ ____ note ____ ____ 10. ____ ; es are __ ____ __ one ____ jectivmany nouns or____ ch Adild 12. ____ ____ ibe ; mscr one ____ any __le: t de cook ____ ____ 13. examp thaie; __ ____ s. For one mun e, __ __ an no blu pe __ 15. y ppy, ______ pro rson ____ slo __ one ____ ; mtifu anyl, key; beau ____ ____ 16. __ ____ man one ____ ____ yken. mou ____ ____ se; bro ____ man ____ ____ y this ____ __ er on ____ ____ partn will be the ____ ____ __ er with a ____ Work . One partn er partner ____ __ e oth tivity 5.

8.

9. 11.

Partner Stories Pairs of students work together to complete a story using specific parts of speech. When they’re done, they have a hilariously funny story to share with the class. These activities can be used over and over with new, exciting results each time.

Crack-the-Code Cloze Games Students complete a short story by filling in the missing part of speech. Then they use their answers to decode a secret message!

22

Th ac Giver. Giver. rd Clue the Word the Wo asks ch will be e Giver to fill in ea e Clu nks word 1. Th for a the bla Giver Fill in all story. . blank reading the the e reads befor e Giver e Clu 2. Th t loud. ou story

nt stude ____ ______ est e lat ______e ng th ______ adjectiv weari a ___ was oon, dent . aftern e stu s I’ll shirt ring all. Th _ sp gues ____ “I etb ___ ___ sk s. ___ ___ od g ba ______ ______e the wo playin tead, ______ ______ adjectiv ced into Ins ctive was . ___ _ ___ adje ht ___ ___ un very in sig One it bo ______ s, a but where pant ______name s no sket, ____ ______noun/first t it wa the ba th a ______ d ___ all bu ttle wi ______ toward name e etb bo ll ___ ctiv adje ___ bask ____ the ba t the n: ___ rew ______ _ genie to ge fashio nt th ______e ______ stude nt ran ______ adjectiv ______ The stude , ___ e ______ e. The ____ adjectiv a tre ______ ______ ase it.” ed a neath to ch ______ e d be t popp have on his ______ adjectiv proppe . Ou a ___ watch lid iously was ____ ____ caut ke it ___ e ___ there ttl ___ ! So ma ______ the bo outfit ______e e one. ______ ____ ened adjectiv ______ adjectiv e for ______ nt op ______ e ___ ve tim stude at th ______e ly ha The ___ nced ______ adjectiv e. I on ______ he gla ge ___ bottl ______ this nie as stran ng a ______adjective thought the ge out of ari ___ id me we sa let a ___ dent lly!” one e stu To be “Fina sh? y, th e some st wi t tim Finall e be abou toys? be th me . “It’s ____ uld ist ___ wr sh ca at wo ______ the wi t. Wh ______ctive that, py.” ough ______ adje snap t like nt th _ d jus lly ___ stude ______ The rs. An me rea ______ finge nie. ve so ______ e est. d his To ha the ge ______ adjectiv the for appe told ___ sn rstar? d , in pe y he an su ______ __ da wish nie as ______ rfect ______ the ge e pe ______ e ______ ” said of th ______ adjectiv _________ adjective tever, a ___ at “Wha came got th nt be r for neve stude The , and SK ILL true. : The ______ Verb “To ______ ___ Be” n nou ______

To B Not toe or Be?

This sto ry some of is missing its verbs! the bla Fill in nks in the with ver bs from story below. the box All are form of the verbs s of the “to be. ” When verb you are finishe d, put the num bered lett rect ord ers in the cor er and get secret message. the

Riddle Bubble Tests Students fill in the bubble next to the sentence that uses correct grammar. Then students use their lettered answers to unravel the punch line to an amusing riddle. These riddle tests are not only fun; they’re also great practice for state and national standardized tests (students get into the habit of filling in the circle next to the correct answer).

Enjoy!

33

FAST FA CT

The ver b “to be” is the most freq uently used verb in the Eng lish language. Eight diff erent words are par t of the verb “to be.”

is am are Ladies was and Gen were tlemen, be It __ __ qui being 1 te an thrille honor been d to __ to sta nd bef __ nam ore you 2 __ ed the __ a this eve Invent poor, ning and or of the unknow Today, accept Year. n invent this awa Bel I __ ieve it or wit __ a rd. I am h plenty or not 3 big suc Line. , just of ide cess, If it __ a few yea as but all tha __ rs ago no mo nks to 4 __ ney to I __ basem my fam __ not make ent wor ous Tw them for this kshop. o-In-On happen amazin e Den . As I acc g device, tal Flo ept my ss and I might award, Fishin still be my par I’d like g dre icles ents and to tha L: Artaming awa nk som my fifth y in my SK IL “Thank e special -grade s for __ science people in my teache __ life. The r, Mrs that I __ . C. A. __ have y __ __ the never Labrat __ 7 __ . To all re for __ __ 5 me thr !” And __ ee of 6 8 __ hap them, to all Now use I say, of you pier or the num in the more bered lett audien proud ce, I say than ers to I am ton __ __ decode ight. the me 2 __ ssage: 6 __ __ 3 __ __ 4 1 __ __ 7 7 !

icles: e Arthe enuin The G, An, and T A next circle the in the s. Fill a, an, and of tence s of sen the words the letter es ch set , use end. at ea ce that us ished Look are fin dle at the senten to the . When you ve the rid rly prope swers to sol an your

1.

7

FACT FAST

h t Wit Say Iectives! Adj

8

5

39 . pack back .

ck in my ckpa ella . FACT my ba pack umbr a in back . carry brell FAST a, an, and pack ays in my a um back ella rds e n I alw rry The wo come befor nt en n in fro the oft Use the . For n s. noun noun n ecific ay day of a sp This is the y. last birthd d le: is a of Ma E. My e a an examp thday May. t day Us n n of bir las want. 2. n-spe bike I n F.G. MyMy birthdayayisis the last day n of no nt fro in e. n H. My birthd n an in Use a Europ uns. t n n try in rope. cific no s tha coun in Eu noun is a ants nt of untry e. ance on co fro rop Fr cons n I.J. France isisancountry in Euin Europe. n with start ch. nt of 3. lun fro try in n K. France the coun n for . with apple and an lunch t start n L. France is n d an s tha ple for lunch. ch an mple: noun d a ap ndwi r exa n n ple for ed sa ch an ch. e ls. Fo an ap pack ndwi vowe for lun ve a bik and a sa rcus her ha ile. I’d rat n M.N. MaMarcus papackckeded a sandndwiwichch and a apple n tomob 4. an au n O. Marcus packed an sa n than n P. Marcus n sky. o an y. n int sk e on ros into a the ballo e n Q.R. MyMy balloononrosrose into skthey. sky. n 5. n S. My ballo on rose into n . hway n T. My ballo n on hig hway. t tire hig n n . the fla e on the t hway go t tir r car the hig n U.V. OuOur car gogottaanflaflat tirone ona highway. 6. n W. Our car got flat tire n n X. Our car n n 4 4 br ca my n A. ays an um brella in I alw carry um n B. ays an a I alw carry y. ays n C. of Ma I alw day y. last n D. of Ma is an

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

SKILL: Common Nouns

Noun Hunt FAST FACT

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read the clues to name the nouns in each list. Then find the nouns in the word search puzzle.

B A P P L E S T O R E B

S C H O 0 L L E I B M A

H L D F H O M E A I R I

E O G O A B G N K C B R

A U N T C T Q A L Y C P

C D B N H E H G K C S O

K A I T A B L E Y L I R

G F D A F M W R R E N T

T E A C H E R T V A G M

R E S T A U R A N T E J

B M O T H E R P C I R Z

A S G M E G B U Z R S N

A noun is a person, place, or thing. For example: sister, park, insect.

PEOPLE 1. An adult who teaches in a classroom

________________________

2. Your parents (two words)

________________________ and ________________________

3. A person between the ages of 13 and 19

________________________

4. A person who sings

________________________

5. Your mother’s sister is your

________________________

PLACES 6. A place where you buy things

________________________

7. A place where you go to learn

________________________

8. A place where you go to eat

________________________

9. The place where you live

________________________

10. A place where planes take off and land

________________________

THINGS 11. A vehicle with two wheels

________________________

12. Something you use to carry groceries

________________________

13. A fruit that’s often red and is used to make pies and juice

________________________

14. Something you use at dinner time that comes with chairs

________________________

15. Something fluffy that floats in the sky

________________________

9

SKILL: Simple Predicate of a Sentence

Find the Verb

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read each sentence and underline the verb. Then find each verb in the word search puzzle.

B L M E P I Y B R L C X

P A I N T E D R F E W H

H E S S U B J O S R A R

D C B N T R W K H V O D

M A D E Z E O E A I Q E

A U G S G O N M R S J A

K G I A V I U S E I A B

H H C O S A N G D T O L

A T E F L H M S B S G E

S A L O V E S T I D E W

C O I H S I R B H E Y O

I L N V R E P C T R H E

FAST FACT Some verbs, like runs and thinks, describe action. Other verbs, like is and was, describe a state of being.

1. The play begins at six o’clock. 2. Lucas visits his grandmother at least once a week. 3. The snake caught its prey under a boulder. 4. I read an exciting novel last week. 5. Rebecca painted a picture of a beautiful sunset. 6. My cat is three years old. 7. Our school basketball team just won the state championship. 8. Megan loves pizza with pepperoni. 9. The two brothers shared a seat on the school bus. 10. We sang the national anthem at school today. 11. A rabbit made its nest in our front yard. 12. During the storm, winds blew at speeds of 50 miles per hour. 13. Jared listens to many kinds of music. 14. Anne broke her arm last winter. 15. That film has terrific special effects.

10

SKILL: Helping Verbs

Verbs Help Out

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read each sentence and locate the helping verb. When you are finished, find your answers in the word search puzzle.

A D C S H D A V C L P M B

F O L E A U B A M R U S W

M I Q O D T N I K S A I T

I H W N T G J D T X O H O

G B E E N Q W C F A S A E

H M R T P O Y H K M B V D

T C E A V M W A S U V E S

E L R K B N A R N H U J V

B D S H O U L D L D N E P

P I J C S U I L G I P R T

A O S D F R M Q C D Z A Y

R E U I W H A S O N B H O

E G A D T E S E S T I I F

FAST FACT Helping verbs help the main verb describe the action. There are 23 helping verbs. They are: am are be been being can

could did do does had has

have is may might must shall

should was were will would

HELPING VERB 1. Our neighbors were playing loud music last night.

__________________

2. You should say thank you to Uncle Roy for the gift.

__________________

3. I can see the park from my bedroom window.

__________________

4. My train is leaving in ten minutes.

__________________

5. I am planning to join the swim team.

__________________

6. I knew that you owned a dog, but I did not know that you owned a fish. __________________ 7. Yes, I do like to work with clay.

__________________

8. I have started my homework.

__________________

9. My cousins are visiting for the weekend.

__________________

10. Julia has written a poem for class.

__________________

11. I was walking to school when I saw an injured bird.

__________________

12. I might win the contest.

__________________

13. Tina had just fallen asleep when the telephone rang.

__________________

11

SKILL: Comparing Adjectives

Good, Better, Best

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read each sentence. On the line, write the positive, comparative, or superlative form of the missing adjective. Then find each of your answers in the word search puzzle.

A L H A R D E R P U

H M B D T A A I S B

S C E A R L I E R A

D M O L F O A O T Y

Y N A N A V E C A R

B E K R S H T L L C

R L C J T E Y O L O

O O G M E K I S E L

C U T E R F D E S D

U D N A C O L S T E

P E D B P N E T E S

E R I S A Z H B D T

FAST FACT

1. Nora was fast, but Caitlyn was ____________________. (comparative of fast )

2. Snowball is ____________________ than the other kittens (comparative of cute )

in the litter. 3. Kevin is _____________________. (positive of smart )

4. January is the _____________________ month of the year. (superlative of cold )

5. I filled the _____________________ glass I could find with water. (superlative of tall )

6. Someone must have turned up the volume, because the music suddenly got _____________________. (comparative of loud )

7. The _____________________ clouds were a sign that the storm (positive of dark)

was on its way. 8. Today’s math assignment is _____________________ than (comparative of hard )

yesterday’s. 9. David has an _____________________ bedtime than I do. (comparative of early)

10. Tina is my _____________________ friend. (superlative of close)

12

A positive adjective lets you describe one or more things: A puppy is nice; puppies are nice. A comparative adjective lets you compare two or more things: Barbara is nicer than Gerard; Gerard is nicer than all the other boys in our class. A superlative adjective lets you describe only one thing: Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world; Remo is the friendliest person in school.

SKILL: Personal and Possessive Pronouns

Noun Substitutes

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read each sentence and fill in each blank with a pronoun from the lists. When you are finished, find your answers in the word search puzzle.

A I O E J H K R D B P T N

O B M L Q E U X F H H R U

U H R Y H D T S M E M U F

R C E A O S E P I R A J Y

S N D I S H G R A E L O I

M P T K I E W C F Y U T G

C S G C R V T H E I R B C

L A F O E C N B M D A R M

B H M W Q A I E K F Q E Y

H X E B J S T H E Y S C D

E I N L G R S L T H Z P A

D T H E M K E M S I R E H

A D G I L O R U Z M M T Q

FAST FACT Pronouns take the place of nouns Here are some: I you he she

it we me they

him her us them

who what

Pronouns can be possessive, just like nouns: her/hers his its

mine my our/ours

their/theirs whose your/yours

1. “ _________________ am happy to meet you,” I said. 2. Ryan has a doctor’s appointment after school, so _________________ will miss practice. 3. She baked the cake for so long, _________________ was as hard as a rock! 4. Frank and Erin said _________________ would be back in one hour. 5. I just saw a man run down the street. Did you see _______________? 6. The fourth graders invited _________________ to their holiday party, so we will invite them to _________________. 7. Mary, do _________________ walk to school or ride the bus? 8. Elizabeth hopes _________________ will get the lead in the school play. 9. Our family is very busy, but _________________ always try to eat dinner together. 10. I reminded Derek that _________________ owes me a dollar. 11. When I saw Aunt Sue get off the train, I hugged _________________ and offered to carry her bags. 12. The children were misbehaving, so Mrs. Nelson asked _________________ to quiet down. 13. I know that’s _________________ lunch because it has my name on it. 14. A kitten must stay with _________________ mother for several weeks. 15. The twins invited all of _________________ friends to the birthday party.

13

SKILL: Contractions

Contraction Action

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Read each sentence, paying special attention to the contraction. On the line, write the word that completes each contraction. Then find each of your answers in the word search puzzle.

A H K D A C O L G P U

N F A Q H I S I N A M

E X U D B N E Y H E C

A I N T N W F A M U H

R J L E O Z V T F C S

E O A S T E G V S O K

H E C F G R U E W N E

B A N I E A J H I B A

M G V T I S G A L D I

I D U E T L I G L P R

S R A Q U I P W E D O

FAST FACT A contraction is formed by putting two words together and leaving out some letters. An apostrophe takes the place of the missing letters.

1. I couldn’t make it to the dance recital on Wednesday. couldn’t = could + _____________________ 2. Peter should’ve called if he were going to be late. should’ve = should + _____________________ 3. I’m the oldest child in my family. I’m = I + _____________________ 4. Maura was tired because she’d been working in the garden all day. she’d = she + _____________________ 5. Edward says he’ll be over in ten minutes. he’ll = he + _____________________ 6. You’re my best friend. You’re = You + _____________________ 7. He’s afraid of spiders. He’s = He + _____________________ 8. ‘Twas the night before Christmas. ‘Twas = _____________________ + was 9. Let’s go out to dinner tonight. Let’s = Let + _____________________

14

SKILL: Common Abbreviations

For Short

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Match each abbreviation to the full word it stands for. Then hunt for each full word in the word search puzzle.

W P E N N S Y L V A N I A D

E U X B G Q H C K S E C X J

M A N E K M I S T E R A D A

Q T D I O I F R L A N L A N

N E O M T L E A B U H I V U

ABBREVIATION

I L C P A E S I A N O F E A

A E T H T S D R D I F O N R

D V O J R P Y S G P J R U Y

J I R A L E B E T Q E N E R

R S A T U R D A Y A S I M W

T I F D N H P O F Z T A A Q

R O O C T O B E R U M E B B

E N P G S U R H I K C R S I

V E O S T R E E T L E B C B

FAST FACT An abbreviation is a shortened version of a word or phrase. Some abbreviations use periods, but others do not.

FULL WORD

1.

Dr.

_____

a.

October

2.

Mr.

_____

b.

Avenue

3.

St.

_____

c.

Doctor

4.

TV

_____

d.

Saturday

5.

Jan.

_____

e.

miles per hour

6.

PA

_____

f.

television

7.

Ave.

_____

g.

California

8.

Sat.

_____

h.

Mister

9.

Oct.

_____

i.

Street

10.

mph

_____

j.

United States

11.

U.S.

_____

k.

Pennsylvania

12.

CA

_____

l.

January

15

SKILL: Singular and Plural Nouns

Single Minded

FAST FACT

Look at the plural noun underlined in each sentence, and write the singular form of the noun on the line. Then write the singular noun in the puzzle grid. The last letter of one answer will be the first letter of the next answer. Some answers will go around corners.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

1

7

2

8

9

13

14

12

6

Some nouns add -s to become plural. Others add -es. Other nouns change completely when they become plural, and still others do not change at all!

10

11

3

4

5

1. There are nine planets in our solar system.

____________________

2. Cars and trucks lined the street.

____________________

3. I can’t find my house keys anywhere!

____________________

4. Many homes have back yards.

____________________

5. There are ditches on both sides of the road.

____________________

6. It’s fun to ride a bike over the hills in this neighborhood.

____________________

7. Plants have chemicals in their leaves to help them make food.

____________________

8. Graciela is just under five feet tall.

____________________

9. Our class has gone on three field trips this school year.

____________________

10. I save pennies in a jar in my bedroom.

____________________

11. Does your family eat yams at Thanksgiving?

____________________

12. Fifty men, women, and children were left homeless by the storm.

____________________

13. I have a pocket full of nickels.

____________________

14. Bright lights filled the sky.

____________________

16

SKILL: Verbs/Past Tense

In the Past Rewrite each sentence in the past tense. Then write each past-tense verb in the snail puzzle. The last letter of one answer will be the first letter of the next answer. Some answers will go around corners. 1

2

7

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

10

8

3

6

9

5

FAST FACT

11

4

The past tense is used to describe something that happened before now. Many verbs form the past tense by adding -ed or -d. But other verbs form the past tense in unusual ways and should be memorized.

1. I sleep in a bed. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. She turns the key. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. We decide what to eat for lunch. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Stephan draws a picture. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. I win the spelling bee! _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Rachel nods her head in agreement. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. They drive to school every day. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. The nurse examines the patient. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Everyone dances to that song. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. I dare you to watch the scary movie. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. We do the dishes. _______________________________________________________________________________________________

17

SKILL: Prepositions

Pick a Preposition Read each sentence below, and choose a preposition from the box to fill in the blank. Then write the prepositions in the snail puzzle. In the puzzle, the last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next answer. Some answers will go around corners. 1

2

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

6

9

10

FAST FACT

5

Prepositions usually tell where something is, where something is going, or when something is happening. Some common prepositions are:

3

8

7

about near below without in except

4

after throughout because beside over toward

with to despite instead on onto

1. South America is located _________________________ the Equator. 2. You cannot bake a cake _________________________ flour. 3. The sprinter ran _________________________ the finish line. 4. We played outside for a while _________________________ the cold weather. 5. I like all vegetables _________________________ for lima beans. 6. Basketball is popular _________________________ the entire United States. 7. Hannah sent a thank-you note _________________________ her grandmother. 8. Will you help me load the heavy box _________________________ the truck? 9. Anthony lives _________________________ North Birchfield Avenue. 10. The twins live _________________________ the school, so they do not ride the schoolbus.

18

SKILL: Compound Words

Create-a-Word Read each clue below and figure out the compound word that is being described. Then write the compound words in the snail puzzle. The last letter of one answer will be the first letter of the next answer. Some answers go around corners. 1

2

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

5

6

9

11

FAST FACT 8

A compound word is a word that is made up of two or more smaller words. For example: notebook, newspaper, thunderstorm.

10

7

4

3

CLUES 1. A mark your foot leaves in snow or mud.

________________________

2. These fall from your eyes when you are sad.

________________________

3. At night we have moonlight; in the day we have

________________________

4. A natural disaster that makes the ground shake.

________________________

5. The skin that closes over your eye.

________________________

6. You turn this to open a door.

________________________

7. A sport played with a bat and ball.

________________________

8. All the years that a person lives.

________________________

9. The hard covering around an egg.

________________________

10. A house that warns ships of danger.

________________________

11. A piece of jewelry you wear on your ear.

________________________

19

SKILL: Homonyms

Which One (Won) Is It? Read each of the sentences below, and underline the homonym that makes sense in each one. Then write the correct homonyms in the snail puzzle. The last letter of one answer will be the first letter of the next answer. Some answers will go around corners.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

1

2

3

9

4

10

13

8

11

12

7

FAST FACT

14

Homonyms are words that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings. For example: peace/piece and bare/bear.

5

6

1. My (aunt, ant) is coming to visit for a few weeks. 2. Jack likes to play soccer (to, too, two). 3. We will eat lunch in about (one, won) hour. 4. Rosa’s brother is (ate, eight) years old. 5. Nigel (threw, through) the ball to first base. 6. Room 16 is having a spelling test next (weak, week). 7. I don’t (know, no) where I left my backpack. 8. How much does your puppy (way, weigh)? 9. The frightened campers (herd, heard) a noise in the forest. 10. The (dear, deer) drank from the cool stream. 11. The principal’s office is the third door on the (right, write). 12. (There, They’re, Their) favorite movie is showing tonight at 8 p.m. 13. The audience filled 100 (rose, rows) of seats. 14. Lori’s arm was (sore, soar) after her softball game.

20

SKILL: Subject/Verb Agreement

Do They Agree? Read each of the sentences below, and underline the verb that agrees with the subject. Then write the correct verbs in the snail puzzle. The last letter of one answer will be the first letter of the next answer. Some answers will go around corners. 1

2

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

8

3

9

13

4

7

14

12

6

10

11

5

1. Bears (has, have) a powerful sense of smell. 2. We (eat, eats) out about twice a month. 3. He always (try, tries) to do his homework before dinner. 4. On the island, the sun (shine, shines) almost every day. 5. The recipe (says, say) to cook the muffins for 25 minutes. 6. They (swim, swims) in the lake every afternoon. 7. I (make, makes) the best lemonade in town! 8. Ralph (earn, earns) money by mowing his neighbor’s lawn. 9. The kids often (swing, swings) at the playground. 10. My house plants (grows, grow) an inch every month. 11. Henry (were, was) in charge of the class party. 12. At lunch time, Rita always (sit, sits) near the windows. 13. They (switch, switches) seats every week. 14. Christopher (has, have) on a striped sweater today.

21

FAST FACT If the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. Here’s a secret, though: While a noun that ends in -s is usually plural, a verb that ends in -s is usually singular!

SKILL: Plural Nouns

Make It Two! Write the plural of each singular noun on the line provided. Then write the plurals in the crossword puzzle grid.

1

2

3

4

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

5

6

7

FAST FACT

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Some nouns add -s to become plural. Others add -es. Other nouns change completely when they become plural, and still others do not change at all!

16

17

ACROSS

DOWN

3.

one banana; many

__________________

1.

one plant; many

__________________

5.

one president; many

__________________

2.

one waitress; many

__________________

8.

one subject; many

__________________

4.

one foot; many

__________________

9.

one itch; many

__________________

6.

one deer; many

__________________

11. one disk; many

__________________

7.

one note; many

__________________

14. one tomato; many

__________________

10. one child; many

__________________

17. one television; many

__________________

12. one cookie; many

__________________

13. one person; many

__________________

15. one key; many

__________________

16. one mouse; many

__________________

22

SKILL: Abstract Nouns

Invisible Nouns

FAST FACT

Use a noun from the box to fill in the blank in each sentence. Then write your answers in the crossword puzzle. 2

1

3

4

Some nouns name ideas or feelings that you cannot see, hear, smell, or touch. Some examples are happiness, wonder, and justice. These nouns are called abstract nouns.

5

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

6

7

8

9

10

love sadness beauty democracy sharing hope confidence

11

12

13

ACROSS 4.

Madison has ____________________ that

the future will be bright. 6.

Jack has ____________________ in his

ability to play soccer. 8.

The students had great

____________________ for their teacher. 9.

For the sake of ____________________,

respect anger fairness concern courage intelligence kindness

DOWN 1.

Felicia was filled with

____________________ when her dog died. 2.

My parents fell in ____________________

when they were in college. 3.

The United States government is a

____________________ . 5.

In the spring, flowers fill the world with

Marianne gave each child the same number of

____________________ .

cookies.

6.

11. Caroline’s main ____________________

speech in front of the whole class.

after the hurricane was the safety of her

7.

neighbors.

but he did not do well in school.

12. Josh treats everyone with

10. The kids know that ____________________

____________________, so he has many friends.

is important. They always take turns with

13. When Grandpa saw what the burglars

their toys.

had done to the house, he was filled with _______________ .

23

It takes ____________________ to give a

Albert Einstein had ____________________,

SKILL: Action Verbs

Where’s the Action? 1

Read each sentence and fill in the blank with an action verb from the box. Write the verb in the crossword puzzle.

2

3

4

5

7

6

8

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

9

fly walked won opened smiled climbed erased led carry rock

wore shook meet laughed wrote yelled baked roared eat

10 11

12 13

FAST FACT

14

An action verb describes activity that happened in the past, is happening now, or will happen in the future.

15 16 17

18

ACROSS 2.

DOWN

Jeanette __________________________ as she

1.

thought of the exciting day ahead of her. 6.

team to victory.

Jack __________________________ the home-

3.

work assignment in his notebook. 7.

“I am pleased to ______________________ you,” Jacob said.

During the earthquake, the whole house

4.

__________________________ . 9.

Samantha __________________________ her

The teacher __________________________ the writing on the chalk board.

Alexis __________________________ at

5.

Courtney’s joke.

Don’t __________________________ the boat; it may tip over!

10. Our basketball team ________________________

6.

the state championship!

Gregory __________________________ the dog around the block.

11. I am so hungry, I could

8.

__________________________ ten pizzas!

I __________________________ the envelope as soon as I saw it.

13. Chris __________________________ all the way

12. Let’s __________________________ a kite today.

to the top of the tree.

14. In honor of your birthday, Aunt Rose __________________________ a cake.

17. The lion __________________________ loudly,

15. My book bag weighs at least 15 pounds. It is

surprising the zoo visitors.

too heavy to __________________________!

18. Victor __________________________ “Fire!” as

16. Lucas __________________________ his favorite

soon as he saw the flames.

tie on school picture day.

24

SKILL: Personal and Possessive Pronouns

Pronoun Magic

Mine!

My ball!

Use a pronoun from the box to fill in the blank in each sentence. You may use some pronouns more than once. Then write the pronouns in the crossword puzzle. 1

2

4

5

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

19

8

20

21

Pronouns take the place of nouns:

9

11

12

16

FAST FACT

6

7 10

3

17

I you he she

13

18 22

it we me they

him her us them

Pronouns can be possessive, just like nouns:

23

24

my his our/ours mine her/hers

25

ACROSS 2. 4. 6.

7.

9. 10. 12. 16. 19. 22. 24. 25.

their/theirs your/yours its whose

DOWN

Look at that flower! ___________________ is beautiful. This letter is addressed to my neighbors. It must be ___________________ . Joanna can’t wait for the class trip. It will be ___________________ first visit to a museum. George helped me with the science homework. I helped ___________________ with the math problems. Will you join ___________________ for a walk? I would enjoy your company. If you don’t hurry, ___________________ are going to be late for school. Can you find ___________________ way home from here? Our school has two playgrounds. Everyone works to keep ___________________ clean. Brian forgot ___________________ lunch today. Is this backpack ___________________? It has your initials on it. The Smiths took ___________________ new puppy for a walk. ___________________ jacket is this?

1. 3. 5. 8. 11. 13. 17. 18. 20. 21.

23. 25.

25

Mike and Rob went to the park because ___________________ wanted to play ball. The students have recess after ___________________ eat lunch. Amanda loves space, so ___________________ wants to become an astronaut. That pen belongs to me. It is _____________ . A cat followed Bob and me home. It stayed behind ______________ the whole way! The blue car belongs to our family. The van is ___________________, too. Mrs. Miller remembers every solo ___________________ daughter sang. I was in a rush, so I asked the waiter to bring ___________________ food quickly. Many nutrients of an apple are in ___________________ peel. My mom knows me well. ___________________ can tell when I’ve had a bad day. My friends and I love to ride bikes. It is ___________________ favorite activity. My brother and I hope ___________________ both make the soccer team.

SKILL: Adverbs

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Awesome Adverbs Read each sentence and fill in the blank with an adverb from the box. Then write your answers in the crossword puzzle.

1

2

3 4

5 6

7

8

FAST FACT 9

10

11

loudly hard angrily

happily well hopefully

slowly lightly never

hungrily there finally

ACROSS 1.

DOWN

Hillary ate her soup

1.

__________________________. 4.

Natasha hit the ball

2.

David brushed the canvas

The tired children walked home from

school ____________________ .

All of the students did very

5.

__________________________ on the reading test. 9.

The crickets chirped

________________________ outside the window. 3.

______________________ with yellow paint. 8.

Bryan __________________________ agreed

to join the game.

_________________________ and ran to first base. 6.

fast

An adverb can describe a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Adverbs often answer the questions how, when, where, and to what extent. Many—but not all— adverbs end in -ly.

The twins couldn’t believe their birthday

The cat hissed __________________________

when the dog walked by. 7.

When I heard the announcer begin to

had ___________________ arrived.

name the winners, I looked up

11. I will sit here; you can sit

_______________________________ .

_______________________.

9.

Tricia runs __________________________

enough to make the track and field team. 10. Kyle has _____________________________ experienced a snowfall before.

26

SKILL: Proper Adjectives

It’s Only Proper

FAST FACT

Use a proper adjective from the box to fill in the blank in each sentence. Then write the answers in the puzzle. 1

3

4

2

5

A proper adjective is an adjective that forms from a proper noun. For example, a king from England is an English king. A proper adjective uses a capital letter.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

6 7

8 9

10

11 12

Hawaiian Christmas

Asian Arctic

Amtrak Disney

Atlantic South

ACROSS 1.

We took an _________________________ train

Polar bears and snowshoe rabbits are both

2.

They went swimming in the

3.

The ________________________ flag has stars

and stripes.

The ______________________ Lakes are locat-

ed between the United States and Canada. 8.

Chinese

__________________________ Ocean.

_____________________ animals. 7.

Irish American

DOWN

across the country. 3.

Nike Great

4.

The ________________________ New Year is

celebrated with parades and fireworks.

Anthony bought a pair of blue

5.

Mike received many

________________________ sneakers.

__________________________ presents from his

10. No one lives at the

friends.

__________________________ Pole all year long.

6.

11. Japan is an ____________________________

part of the United States.

country.

9.

12. Sara enjoys watching

someone from Ireland.

__________________________ movies.

27

The _________________________ Islands are

An ___________________________ person is

SKILL: Subject of Sentence

Subject Search FAST FACT Read each sentence and underline the word that is the simple subject. Write the word in the crossword puzzle. 1

2

The simple subject is the noun or pronoun that tells what or whom the sentence is about.

3

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

4

5

6

7 8 9

10 11 12 13

14

ACROSS 1.

They knew that they were going to be

DOWN 1.

late for the meeting.

Travis rode the roller coaster four times.

2.

Teachers have exciting jobs.

2.

The telephone rang loudly.

4.

She owns several rare books.

3.

A single star shone in the night sky.

5.

The local newspaper ran an article

6.

Everyone shouted “Surprise!” when

about helping the environment. 7.

My new shoes gave me painful blisters.

8.

The tall brown mare guarded her new-

9.

Nathan walked in the front door. 8.

Beautiful music played while we worked on our projects.

born foal.

9.

The hot sun scorched the farmer’s

10. Litter makes the park ugly.

crops. 11. Mrs. Edwards’ store closes at 7:30 p.m. on weeknights. 12. It is almost summer time. 13. Cheese is a popular pizza topping. 14. The letter arrived in yesterday’s mail.

28

Shelly is one of my closest friends.

SKILL: Common Nouns

Food Fight! FAST FACT Common nouns are general names for people, places, and things. They do not use capital letters. For example: student, home, and apple.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Work with a partner on this activity. One partner will be the Clue Giver. The other partner will be the Word Giver. 1. The Clue Giver asks the Word Giver for a word to fill in each blank. Fill in all the blanks before reading the story. 2. The Clue Giver reads the story out loud.

One day the students in our class were having a quiet lunch in the ____________________. common noun/place

At first everything was going smoothly. The kids were enjoying fried ___________________________, common noun/thing

baked ____________________________, and a variety of other tasty treats. common noun/thing

Trouble started when one of the students was carrying her tray to her seat. Her stomach grumbled as she gazed at the ____________________________, ____________________________, and common noun/thing

common noun/thing

__________________________ on her tray. A _________________________ and _________________________ common noun/thing

common noun/person

common noun/person

sitting nearby both looked hungrily at the piping hot lunch. Suddenly, the student tripped on a _________________________ on the floor, and her tray went flying. A large ________________________ common noun/thing

common noun/thing

landed on a _________________________ who was walking by. “You know what that means!” anothcommon noun/person

er student shouted. “Food fight!” Before long, the kids’ lunches were sailing through the air. A burned ___________________ common noun/thing

plopped down on a ___________________________. A greasy ____________________________ flew out common noun/person

common noun/thing

the window and headed for the _________________________. The food fight continued until a common noun/place

mushy _________________________ sailed right into the teacher. common noun/thing

“Stop this nonsense,” the teacher cried. “Each one of you is behaving like a _________________________. Clean up this mess right now or I will send you to the common noun/person

_________________________!” Needless to say, that was the end of the food fight! common noun/place

29

SKILL: Proper Nouns

The Strangest Field Trip Ever

FAST FACT Proper nouns are the names of specific people, places, and things. They always begin with a capital letter. For example: George, Texas, and the Statue of Liberty.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Work with a partner on this activity. One partner will be the Clue Giver. The other partner will be the Word Giver. 1. The Clue Giver asks the Word Giver for a word to fill in each blank. Fill in all the blanks before reading the story. 2. The Clue Giver reads the story out loud.

Last night I had a very unusual dream. In my dream, ___________________________ was the proper noun/person

principal of our school! One day, the principal announced that we were going on a field trip to ______________________. Now, I had been to ______________________ and to ______________________, proper noun/place

proper noun/place

proper noun/place

but never there! Believe it or not, my dream got even crazier after that. We rode a ______________________ proper noun/form of transportation

all the way to our destination. Once we arrived, we met all kinds of people. I personally saw ______________________ and ______________________ and even got ______________________ to give proper noun/person

proper noun/person

proper noun/person

me an autograph. I will always treasure it! On the way home, we talked the principal into stopping in ______________________ and proper noun/place

______________________. We tried to stop in ______________________, too, but we ran out of time. proper noun/place

proper noun/place

Even so, it was the most awesome field trip I had ever been on. Was I ever disappointed when it was time to wake up!

30

SKILL: Verbs/Present and Past Tense

Alien Adventure FAST FACT Work with a partner on this activity. One partner will be the Clue Giver. The other partner will be the Word Giver.

The present tense describes an action that is happening now. The past tense describes an action that already happened. Many verbs form the past tense by adding -ed or -d.

1. The Clue Giver asks the Word Giver for a word to fill in each blank. Fill in all the blanks before reading the story.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

2. The Clue Giver reads the story out loud. When I saw the flashing lights, I knew right away it was a

UFO. It________________ right next to me. The doors opened, and out came ____________________ verb/past tense

number over 2

____________________. The creatures marched toward me and began to speak. “We are from the plural noun

planet _________________,” they said. “We travel around the Milky Way, stopping only to noun

________________. Tell us about yourself, Earthling.” verb/present tense

I ____________________ and I ____________________. I did not know what to say, “My name verb/past tense

verb/past tense

is _______________________,” I began. “I like to ___________________________ and verb/present tense

word giver’s name

__________________________. My favorite thing to do is __________________________ and hang out verb/present tense

verb/present tense

with my good friend, __________________________.” noun/person’s name

The creatures looked at each other and __________________________. “Aha,” they said. verb/past tense

“Earth is very different from our planet. Come, and we will show you.” I hopped aboard the UFO and we took off. The creatures and I ____________________ and verb/past tense

_______________________. They also gave me a delicious ________________________ to eat. verb/past tense

noun/thing

Finally, we arrived. I could tell we were there when the UFO _______________________. I verb/past tense

stepped outside. I watched as alien creatures ____________________ and ____________________. verb/past tense

verb/past tense

I was homesick already, without my family and my favorite _________________. “Take me noun

home!” I told the aliens. They shrugged and put me back on the UFO—by myself! “Wait” I cried. “I don’t know how to fly this thing!” The doors closed, and I spied a control panel. I did not know which button to press, so I just ____________________. Amazingly, the UFO ____________________ and started its journey back verb/past tense

verb/past tense

to Earth. It took me ____________________ days, but I finally made it home. number

31

SKILL: Verbs/Future Tense

I See the Future FAST FACT Work with a partner on this activity. One partner will be the Clue Giver. The other partner will be the Word Giver. 1. The Clue Giver asks the Word Giver for a word to fill in each blank. Fill in all the blanks before reading the story.

To form the future tense, verbs add the word will. For example: He will run tomorrow.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

2. The Clue Giver reads the story out loud.

What will life on Earth be like 100 years from now? Here’s what I think: People __________________________ much less often than they do today, but they verb/future tense

__________________________ at least ten times a day. Children __________________________ in verb/future tense

verb/future tense

schools and they __________________________ in their neighborhoods. verb/future tense

In the United States, most people __________________________ , but in other parts of the verb/future tense

world, people __________________________ . People everywhere __________________________ . verb/future tense

verb/future tense

In the future, all cars __________________________ and bikes __________________________ . It verb/future tense

verb/future tense

will be so much fun! Computers _______________________ , and machines _____________________ . verb/future tense

verb/future tense

What will I be doing 100 years from now? Thanks to medical advances, I will still be around. I probably _______________________ , and I definitely ________________________ . But most verb/future tense

verb/future tense

of all I _______________________ ! I can hardly wait! verb/future tense

32

SKILL: Adjectives

Say It With Adjectives!

FAST FACT Adjectives are words that describe nouns or pronouns. For example: beautiful, sloppy, blue, broken.

Work with a partner on this activity. One partner will be the Clue Giver. The other partner will be the Word Giver.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

1. The Clue Giver asks the Word Giver for a word to fill in each blank. Fill in all the blanks before reading the story. 2. The Clue Giver reads the story out loud.

One _________________________ spring afternoon, a _________________________ student adjective

adjective

named _________________________ was playing basketball. The student was wearing the latest noun/first name

fashion: _________________________ pants and a very _________________________ shirt. adjective

adjective

The student threw the ball toward the basket, but it bounced into the woods. “I guess I’ll have to chase it.” The student ran to get the basketball but it was nowhere in sight. Instead, there was a _________________________ , _________________________ bottle with a adjective

adjective

_________________________ lid propped beneath a tree. adjective

The student opened the bottle cautiously. Out popped a _________________________ genie adjective

wearing a strange _________________________ outfit! adjective

“Finally!” said the genie as he glanced at the _________________________ watch on his adjective

wrist. “It’s about time someone let me out of this bottle. I only have time for one wish. So make it snappy.” The student thought. What would be the best wish? To be a ___________________________ adjective

superstar? To have some really ____________________________ toys? Finally, the student thought adjective

of the perfect wish and told the genie. “Whatever,” said the genie as he snapped his fingers. And just like that, the wish came true. The student became a ___________________________, ____________________________ adjective

adjective

_____________________, and never forgot that _______________________ day in the forest. adjective

noun

33

SKILL: Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs (Review)

A Parts-of-Speech Circus

FAST FACT A noun is a person, place or thing (Mr. Simpson, Ohio, banana ). A verb tells the action in the sentence (lifts, dances, sees). An adjective describes a noun (blue, nice, smart). An adverb usually describes a verb (quickly, happily, wildly).

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Work with a partner on this activity. One partner will be the Clue Giver. The other partner will be the Word Giver. 1. The Clue Giver asks the Word Giver for a word to fill in each blank. Fill in all the blanks before reading the story. 2. The Clue Giver reads the story out loud. Last week, the circus came to our town. It was set up near the old ______________________. I wasn’t planning to go, but common noun/place

_______________________ and _____________________ talked me into it. They were dying to see the proper noun/person

proper noun/person

_______________________ ______________________ and the __________________________ adjective

adjective

common noun/thing

________________________ . common noun/person

When we arrived, we were starving, so we got in line to buy some snacks. I ate the ________________________

__________________________, and my friends ate the common noun/thing

adjective

_____________________ ________________________. adjective

common noun/thing

Then the show began. The ringmaster _____________________ announced the first act. adverb

Then __________________ __________________ came out and started to _______________________ adjective/number

verb/present tense

plural noun

_______________________! When the act was over, everyone began to __________________________ verb/present tense

adverb

_______________________ and ___________________________ ____________________________ . verb/present tense

adverb

adverb

Later in the show, we saw a _______________________ _________________________ and a adjective

common noun/thing

________________________ ________________________ who could _______________________ and adjective

verb/present tense

common noun/person

_____________________. The best part of the show was the last act, when a _____________________ adjective

verb/present tense

___________________ ___________________ ___________________ on top of a ______________________! common noun/person

verb/past tense

any common noun

adverb

We ran into _______________________ and ______________________. They were carrying a common noun/person

common noun/person

______________________ that they had bought as a souvenir. They said they loved the show, too! common noun/thing

34

SKILL: Adverbs

A Pet Adventure

FAST FACT Adverbs can describe verbs, adjectives, or even other adverbs. They usually answer the questions how, when, or where. They often end in the letters -ly.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

This adventure story is missing its adverbs! Fill in the blanks in the story with adverbs from the box below. When you are finished, put the numbered letters in the correct order and get the secret message. suddenly quickly

loudly breathlessly

high desperately

sadly hungrily

fearlessly innocently

wildly

My neighbors asked me to watch their dog, Sophie. I __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 1

needed the money, so I took the job. Sophie barked __ __ __ __ __ __ and gave me a 2

big kiss. I took her by the leash and waved good-bye. Trouble began when she chewed off her leash and ran __ __ __ __ __ __ down the street. When I caught her, she was licking someone’s ice cream cone! Then she __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ran across the street. I followed 4

3

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ behind her. 5

Sophie stopped at the park. There, she __ __ __ __ __ __ __ made some new 6

8

friends, leaped __ __ __ __ into the air to grab their Frisbee, and greeted a man who was 7

feeding the squirrels. We were invited to a picnic and ate __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __. Then I 9

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ realized it was time to go. We __ __ __ __ __ said 10

11

12

good-bye, and got home minutes before Sophie’s owners. They saw her sitting __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ by the door and exclaimed. “Sophie’s so good for 13

you. Are you available next week?”

Now use the circled letters to decode the message: __ __ 5

__ __ __ __

1

6

7

9

__ __

12

13

2

3

__ __ __ __ __ __ __! 3

4

7

1

9

12

__ __ __ __ __

10

35

8

4

4

11

SKILL: Prepositions

Prepositions Show Position

FAST FACT Prepositions usually tell where something is, where something is going, or when something is happening.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

This story is missing its prepositions! Fill in the blanks in the story with prepositions from the box below. When you are finished, put the numbered letters in the correct order and get the secret message. about above

before by

except from

in inside

near on

with without

to

Last summer, I went ____ ____ Space Camp! I went for three days, ____ ____ ____ ____ a 1

2

3

4

Monday to a Wednesday. On the first day, I got to try on a space suit just like the ones worn by real astronauts. It had an American flag ____ ____ the front and all kinds of special equipment built into it. It even had a device to control the temperature inside the suit. ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ this equipment, astronauts could not survive ____ ____ space. 5

The next day, I got to taste astronaut food. I especially liked the freeze-dried ice cream. In fact, all of the kids at Space Camp (____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ for one or two) thought the 7

6

ice cream was the best. Finally, I got to go ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ a special anti-gravity chamber. It was 8

9

invented ____ ____ scientists to give astronauts an idea of what it’s like to be weightless in 10

outer space. While I was floating inside the chamber, I imagined that I was traveling far ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ the Earth. Wow! 11

Before I knew it, it was time to head home. But before I left, I got to meet a real-life astronaut. She sat down ____ ____ ____ ____ all the campers and told us ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 12

13

her job. She sat ____ ____ ____ ____ me, so I even got an autograph! Now I don’t just think I 14

want to be an astronaut. I know for sure!

Now use the numbered letters to decode the message: __ __ __ __ __ 3

6

11

7

__ __ __

12

2

1

__ __ __ __

3

10

__ __ __ __ __ __! 9

3

6

13

4

8

36

1

5

3

SKILL: Conjunctions

A Conjunction’s Function

FAST FACT Conjunctions are linking words. They join words, phrases, clauses, and sentences together.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

This story is missing its conjunctions! Fill in the blanks in the story with conjunctions from the box below. When you are finished, put the numbered letters in the correct order and get the secret message.

and but

or nor

yet so

if until

since because

before once

The day we moved into our new house, the weather was rainy __ __ __ cold. 1

2

__ __ __ __ __ I could not play outside, I decided to explore the attic. It was mostly 3

empty, __ __ __ a few dusty boxes sat in the corner, belonging to the previous owners 4

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ my family had not come up here yet. 5

I began to look through one of the boxes filled with papers that looked old and fragile, __ __ I was careful. I uncovered an old map and recognized our neighborhood. It showed a large “X” near the lake, at the end of our road. “Hmmmm,” I thought to myself. “X” marks the spot.” For a chest full of gold __ __ a priceless piece of jewelry? I could hardly wait to find out! 6

Luckily the next day was sunny. __ __ __ __ I finished breakfast, I set out to search 7

for the spot marked on my map. __ __ __ __ __ __ I had gotten very far, I heard a 8

voice say, “I’m Kate. You must be the new kid.” I said “hello.” I didn’t want Kate to think I was silly, __ __ __ I knew she might be a big help so I showed her my map. Soon both of us 9

were having a great time. We found plenty of garbage, and may never know __ __ there is treasure by the lake, but 10

I have a new pal!

Now use the circled letters to decode the message: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 8

6

10

7

1

2

__ __ __

3

5

6

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __! 9

6

7

5

3

4

6

7

3

37

7

SKILL: Interjections

Hey, Wow! FAST FACT

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

This letter is missing its interjections! Fill in the blanks in the story with interjections from the box below. When you are finished, put the numbered letters in the correct order and get the secret message. All right

Hello

An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses strong feelings. It is usually punctuated with an exclamation point.

Thanks

Wow

Hey

Yuck

Oops

Phew

Dear Aunt Linda, __ __ __ __ __ there! I just got the train set you sent for my birthday. __ __ __ __ __ __! I really love it. It has eight cars and a long, curving track. 1

2

3

__ __ __! It has to be the nicest train set I’ve ever seen. It took me about three hours to put the set together (with mom’s help). __ __ __ __! It sure was hard work! But when I was finally finished, I was very excited. I invited my best friend, Tim, over to take a look. Tim loves trains as much as I do. When he saw it, he shouted, “__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __!” Tim and I played with the trains for a while. Then 4

5

Tim’s brother, Lou, came over, and we had to put the set away. That’s because Lou tried to play with the track and almost broke it. I said, “__ __ __! Please be careful with that!” 6

I hear my mom calling me for dinner, so I will wrap up this letter. We are having liver and lima beans. __ __ __ __! I hope you are having something tastier! 7

8

I will talk to you soon! Love, Daniel

P.S.: __ __ __ __! I almost forgot to tell you that my first soccer game of the season will 9

be this Saturday morning!

Now use the numbered letters to decode the message: __ __ __ __ 3

5

1

6

__ __ 9

2

__ __ __ __ __! 5

4

38

1

7

8

SKILL: The Verb “To Be”

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

To Be or Not to Be?

FAST FACT The verb “to be” is the most frequently used verb in the English language. Eight different words are part of the verb “to be.”

This story is missing some of its verbs! Fill in the blanks in the story with verbs from the box below. All of the verbs are forms of the verb “to be.” When you are finished, put the numbered letters in the correct order and get the secret message.

is

am

are

was

were

be

being

been

Ladies and Gentlemen, It __ __ quite an honor to stand before you this evening and accept this award. I am 1

thrilled to __ __ named the Inventor of the Year. Believe it or not, just a few years ago I 2

__ __ __ a poor, unknown inventor with plenty of ideas but no money to make them happen. Today, I __ __ a big success, all thanks to my famous Two-In-One Dental Floss and Fishing 3

Line. If it __ __ __ __ not for this amazing device, I might still be dreaming away in my 4

basement workshop. As I accept my award, I’d like to thank some special people in my life. They __ __ __ 5

6

my parents and my fifth-grade science teacher, Mrs. C. A. Labrat. To all three of them, I say, “Thanks for __ __ __ __ __ there for me!” And to all of you in the audience, I say 7

that I have never __ __ __ __ happier or more proud than I am tonight. 8

Now use the numbered letters to decode the message: __ __ 2

6

__ 3

__ __ __ __ __ __! 4

1

7

7

8

5

39

SKILL: Capitalization

A Capital Idea

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Look at each set of sentences. Fill in the circle next to the sentence that uses capital letters properly. When you are finished, use the letters of your answers to solve the riddle at the end.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

A. The Statue of Liberty is in new york, New York. B. The Statue of Liberty is in New York, New York. C. The statue of liberty is in new york, new york. D. the Statue of Liberty is in New York, New York. E. George Washington was america’s first president. F. George Washington was America’s first president. G. George Washington Was America’s First President. H. George washington was america’s first president. I. Many creatures live in the Pacific Ocean. J. Many creatures live in the pacific ocean. K. Many creatures live in the Pacific ocean. L. Many Creatures live in the Pacific Ocean. M. My cat’s Name is Lady. N. My cat’s name is Lady. O. My Cat’s name is Lady. P. My cat’s name is lady. Q. Where are you celebrating thanksgiving this year? R. where are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year? S. Where are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year? T. Where are you celebrating Thanksgiving this Year? U. he and I both go to school with karen. V. He and I both go to School with Karen. W. He and I both go to school with Karen. X. He and i both go to school with Karen.

40

FAST FACT Capital or upper case letters are used to begin proper nouns, to begin sentences, for the personal pronoun I, and in many abbreviations.

7.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Y. Mr. bloomberg teaches fourth grade. Z. Mr. Bloomberg Teaches fourth grade. A. Mr. Bloomberg teaches fourth grade. B. MR. Bloomberg teaches Fourth Grade. C. We made a birthday cake for uncle phil. D. We made a Birthday cake for Uncle Phil. E. We made a birthday cake for Uncle Phil. F. We made a birthday Cake for Uncle Phil. G. The Mississippi river sometimes floods. H. The Mississippi River Sometimes floods. I. The Mississippi River sometimes floods. J. the Mississippi River sometimes floods. K. Jennifer has a Girl Scout meeting after school on Monday. L. Jennifer has a girl scout meeting after school on monday. M. jennifer has a Girl Scout meeting after school on Monday. N. Jennifer has a girl Scout meeting after School on Monday. O. They are having a family reunion in March. P. They are having a Family Reunion in march. Q. they are having a family reunion in March. R. They Are having a family reunion in March. S. Playland is Roger’s favorite amusement park. T. Playland is roger’s favorite amusement park. U. playland is Roger’s favorite amusement park. V. Playland is Roger’s favorite Amusement park.

Now solve the riddle! Each number below stands for one of the questions. Write the letter of the correct answer above each number. You will spell out the answer to this riddle: Where does a polar bear keep its money?

__ __ 3

4

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

7

12

4

11

6

1

7

4

41

__! 10

SKILL: Possessive Nouns

Whose Is It? Look at each set of sentences. Fill in the circle next to the sentence that uses possessive nouns properly. When you are finished, use the letters of your answers to solve the riddle at the end.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

A. The cats’s fur was matted from the rain. B. The c’ats fur was matted from the rain. C. The cats fur was matted from the rain. D. The cat’s fur was matted from the rain. E. The churchs door is made of thick wood. F. The churches door is made of thick wood. G. The church’s door is made of thick wood. H. The churches’s door is made of thick wood. I. We’re going over to Juan’s house. J. We’re going over to Juans house. K. We’re going over to Juan house. L. We’re going over to Juans’s house. M. The childrens toys were all over the floor. N. The children’s toys were all over the floor. O. The childrens’s toys were all over the floor. P. The children toys’ were all over the floor. Q. Our classes field trip will be next Thursday. R. Our class’s field trip will be next Thursday. S. Our classs field trip will be next Thursday. T. Our class’ field trip will be next Thursday. U. The Smiths’s driveway is very long. V. The Smiths’ driveway is very long. W. The Smithses driveway is very long. X. The Smiths driveway is very long. Y. The doll’s dress is as beautiful as Margarets own outfit. Z. The dolls’ dress is as beautiful as Margaret’s own outfit. A. The doll’s dress is as beautiful as Margaret’s own outfit. B. The dolls dress is as beautiful as Margaret’s own outfit.

42

FAST FACT A possessive noun shows ownership. Most singular nouns become possessive by adding -’s. Most plural nouns ending in -s become possessive by adding an apostrophe after the -s.

8.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

C. Bailey’s phone number is easy to remember. D. Baile’ys phone number is easy to remember. E. Baileys phone number is easy to remember. F. Baileys’s phone number is easy to remember. G. Our store’s motto is, “The customers needs come first.” H. Our store’s motto is, “The customers’s needs come first.” I. Our store’s motto is, “The customers’ needs come first.” J. Our stores motto is, “The customers’ needs come first.” K. My brothers jacket is too big for me. L. My brother’ jacket is too big for me. M. My brothers’s jacket is too big for me. N. My brother’s jacket is too big for me. O. I’d like to have a pen like Michelle’s. P. I’d like to have a pen like Michelles. Q. I’d like to have a pen like Michelles’. R. I’d like to have a pen like Michelles’s. S. Johns and Erics reports were both excellent. T. John’s and Eric’s reports were both excellent. U. John’s’ and Eric’s’ reports were both excellent. V. Johns’ and Eric’s reports were both excellent. W. Nora’s goal improved her teams’ chances of winning. X. Noras goal improved her team’s chances of winning. Y. Nora’s goal improved her team’s chances of winning. Z. Noras goal improved her teams chances of winning.

Now solve the riddle! Each number below stands for one of the questions. Write the letter of the correct answer above each number. You will spell out the answer to this riddle: Where does afternoon come before morning? __ __ 9

10

__ 7

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 1

3

8

12

3

43

11

10

7

5

13

SKILL: Articles

The Genuine Articles: A, An, and The

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Look at each set of sentences. Fill in the circle next to the sentence that uses the words a, an, and the properly. When you are finished, use the letters of your answers to solve the riddle at the end.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

A. I always carry umbrella in my backpack. B. I always carry a umbrella in my backpack. C. I always carry an umbrella in my backpack. D. I always carry an a umbrella in my backpack. E. My birthday is an last day of May. F. My birthday is a last day of May. G. My birthday is last day of May. H. My birthday is the last day of May. I.

France is a country in Europe.

J. France is an country in Europe. K. France is country in Europe. L. France is the country in Europe. M. Marcus packed sandwich and an apple for lunch. N. Marcus packed a sandwich and a apple for lunch. O. Marcus packed a sandwich and an apple for lunch. P. Marcus packed an sandwich and a apple for lunch. Q. My balloon rose into an sky. R. My balloon rose into a the sky. S. My balloon rose into sky. T. My balloon rose into the sky. U. Our car got the flat tire on highway. V. Our car got a flat tire on the highway. W. Our car got an flat tire on the highway. X. Our car got flat tire on a highway.

44

FAST FACT The words a, an, and the often come before nouns. Use the in front of a specific noun. For example: This is the bike I want. Use a and an in front of non-specific nouns. Use a in front of nouns that start with consonants and an in front of nouns that start with vowels. For example: I’d rather have a bike than an automobile.

7.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Y. Toby’s coat has an hood and a zipper. Z. Toby’s coat has a hood and an zipper. A. Toby’s coat has a hood and a zipper. B. Toby’s coat has hood and a zipper. C. I always try to sit in an front of the bus. D. I always try to sit in the front of an bus. E. I always try to sit in the front of the bus. F. I always try to sit in a front of the bus. G. A sun is supposed to come out later. H. The sun is supposed to come out later. I.

An sun is supposed to come out later.

J. A the sun is supposed to come out later. K. I must read a story and study for a exam. L. I must read story and study for an exam. M. I must read a story and study for an exam. N. I must read an story and study for an exam. O. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. P. They say a apple a day keeps the doctor away. Q. They say an apple a day keeps an doctor away. R. They say a apple an day keeps the doctor away. S. The Smiths went hiking in the Rocky Mountains. T. The Smiths went hiking in a Rocky Mountains. U. A Smiths went hiking in the Rocky Mountains. V. The Smiths went hiking in an Rocky Mountains.

Now solve the riddle! Each number below stands for one of the questions. Write the letter of the correct answer above each number. You will spell out the answer to this riddle: Where does a cow go in its free time? __ __ 5

4

__ __ __ 5

2

8

__ __ __ – __ __ __ __! 10

4

11

45

6

3

8

12

SKILL: Contractions

Using Contractions

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Look at each set of sentences. Fill in the circle next to the sentence that uses contractions properly. When you are finished, use the letters of your answers to solve the riddle at the end.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

FAST FACT

A. W’ell see you tomorrow. B. Well see you tomorrow. C. We’ll see you tomorrow. D. Wel’l see you tomorrow. E. Id like to see a movie this weekend. F. Iw’d like to see a movie this weekend. G. ‘Id like to see a movie this weekend. H. I’d like to see a movie this weekend. I.

A contraction is formed by putting two words together and leaving out some letters. An apostrophe takes the place of the missing letters.

Ling knew she needed glasses when she cou’ldnt see the board.

J. Ling knew she needed glasses when she couldnt see the board. K. Ling knew she needed glasses when she could’nt see the board. L. Ling knew she needed glasses when she couldn’t see the board. M. Dad said hed pick me up after school. N. Dad said he’d pick me up after school. O. Dad said h’ed pick me up after school. P. Dad said hed’ pick me up after school. Q. Joseph cant have a dog because he’s allergic to fur. R. Joseph can’t have a dog because hes allergic to fur. S. Joseph ca’nt have a dog because h’es allergic to fur. T. Joseph can’t have a dog because he’s allergic to fur. U. Sandy is my sister, but she’s also my best friend. V. Sandy is my sister, but sh’es also my best friend. W. Sandy is my sister, but shes also my best friend. X. Sandy is my sister, but sh’s also my best friend.

46

7.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Y. Ill play basketball after dinner. Z. Il’l play basketball after dinner. A. I’ll play basketball after dinner. B. ‘Ill play basketball after dinner. C. We tried to move the boulder, but it wouldnt budge. D. We tried to move the boulder, but it would’nt budge. E. We tried to move the boulder, but it wouldn’t budge. F. We tried to move the boulder, but it wou’ldnt budge. G. My grandparents said theyd visit, but they didn’t say when. H. My grandparents said the’yd visit, but they didn’t say when. My grandparents said they’d visit, but they didn’t say when.

I.

J. My grandparents said th’eyd visit, but they didn’t say when. K. Ive always wanted to travel around the world. L. Ive’ always wanted to travel around the world. M. I’ve always wanted to travel around the world. N. Iv’e always wanted to travel around the world. O. Don’t forget to bring a jacket! P. Dont forget to bring a jacket! Q. D’ont forget to bring a jacket! R. Do’nt forget to bring a jacket! S. Lets ask the librarian for help finding the book. T. Lets’ ask the librarian for help finding the book. U. Let’s ask the librarian for help finding the book. V. Le’ts ask the librarian for help finding the book.

Now solve the riddle! Each number below stands for one of the questions. Write the letter of the correct answer above each number. You will spell out the answer to this riddle: When is an astronaut’s favorite time to eat? __ __ __ __ __ __ 3

7

6

4

1

2

__ __ __ __! 5

9

10

47

8

SKILL: Agreement of Subject and Predicate

Be Agreeable!

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Look at each set of sentences. Fill in the circle next to the sentence in which the subject and verb agree. When you are finished, use the letters of your answers to solve the riddle at the end.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

A. Janine plays in the school band. B. Janine play in the school band. C. Janine were playing in the school band. D. Janine are playing in the school band. E. I lives about six blocks from Sam’s apartment building. F. I live about six blocks from Sam’s apartment building. G. I are living about six blocks from Sam’s apartment building. H. I is living about six blocks from Sam’s apartment building. I.

That book is one of my sister’s favorites.

J. That book are one of my sister’s favorites. K. That book am one of my sister’s favorites. L. That book were one of my sister’s favorites.

FAST FACT

M. Mirtha’s favorite topics is birds and plants.

If the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

N. Mirtha’s favorite topics was birds and plants. O. Mirtha’s favorite topics are birds and plants. P. Mirtha’s favorite topics am birds and plants. Q. Dogs love water, but cats hates it. R. Dogs love water, but cats hate it. S. Dogs loves water, but cats hates it. T. Dogs loves water, but cats hate it. U. A tornado strike our area once every few years. V. A tornado strikes our area once every few years. W. Tornadoes strikes our area once every few years. X. Tornadoes is striking our area once every few years.

48

7.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Y. Owen am bringing chips and salsa to the party. Z. Owen are bringing chips and salsa to the party. A. Owen is bringing chips and salsa to the party. B. Owen bringing chips and salsa to the party. C. The Philadelphia Eagles has a talented coach. D. The Philadelphia Eagle have a talented coach. E. The Philadelphia Eagles have a talented coach. F. The Philadelphia Eagles has had a talented coach. G. Benjamin and Matthew goes to the same swim club. H. Benjamin and Matthew is going to the same swim club. I.

Benjamin and Matthew go to the same swim club.

J. Benjamin and Matthew am going to the same swim club. K. Traffic on the highway have been backed up for five miles. L. Traffic on the highway is backed up for five miles. M. Traffic on the highway are backed up for five miles. N. Traffic on the highway am backed up for five miles. O. My aunt knows a lot about current events because she am a reporter. P. My aunt knows a lot about current events because she are a reporter. Q. My aunt know a lot about current events because she is a reporter. R. My aunt knows a lot about current events because she is a reporter. S. The cafeteria often run out of ice cream, and the students get disappointed. T. The cafeteria often runs out of ice cream, and the students gets disappointed. U. The cafeteria often run out of ice cream, and the students gets disappointed. V. The cafeteria often runs out of ice cream, and the students get disappointed.

Now solve the riddle! Each number below stands for one of the questions. Write the letter of the correct answer above each number. You will spell out the answer to this riddle: What has a mouth but cannot smile? __ 7

__ __ __ __ __! 11

3

6

8

5

49

SKILL: Sentences and Fragments

Is It a Sentence? Look at each set of answers. Fill in the circle next to the answer that is a complete sentence. When you are finished, use the letters of your answers to solve the riddle at the end.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

A. Chicken for dinner. B. We are having chicken for dinner. C. Having chicken for dinner. D. We chicken for dinner. E. Did the mail arrive yet? F. The mail? G. Mail yet? H. Did arrive yet? I.

The park opens at seven o’clock in the morning.

J. At seven o’clock in the morning. K. The park at seven o’clock in the morning. L. At seven o’clock in the morning, the park. M. Enough apples to make an apple pie. N. We picked enough apples to make an apple pie. O. Picked enough apples to make an apple pie. P. We apples to make an apple pie. Q. A new CD. R. Got a new CD for her birthday. S. Lori a new CD for her birthday. T. Lori got a new CD for her birthday. U. Please close the door behind you. V. The door behind you. W. The door behind you, please. X. Behind you.

50

FAST FACT A sentence must have a subject and a verb. In a command, the subject is understood to be “you.” For example: (You) Answer the phone, please!

7.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Y. Since the weather is so nice. Z. The window. A. Let’s open the window, since the weather is so nice. B. The window, since the weather is so nice. C. How to play softball at summer camp. D. Kelly learned how to play softball at summer camp. E. Kelly how to play softball at summer camp. F. To play softball. G. Which movie would you like to see? H. Which movie? Like to see?

I.

J. Which movie would like to see? K. Mr. Finley a math teacher for fourteen years. L. A math teacher for fourteen years. M. For fourteen years, Mr. Finley. N. Mr. Finley has been a math teacher for fourteen years. O. Filled the sky just before noon. P. Just before noon, dark clouds. Q. Just before noon. R. Just before noon, dark clouds filled the sky. S. Natalie, who already knows French. T. Natalie, who already knows French, plans to study Spanish next year. U. Natalie to study Spanish next year. V. To study Spanish next year.

Now solve the riddle! Each number below stands for one of the questions. Write the letter of the correct answer above each number. You will spell out the answer to this riddle: What do grizzlies do when they are having a bad day? __ __ __ __ 9

11

3

4

__ __ __ 7

10

8

__ __ __ __ 1

51

2

7

11

__ __! 3

12

SKILL: Using Commas

Be a Comma Cop!

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Look at each set of sentences. Fill in the circle next to the sentence that uses commas properly. When you are finished, use the letters of your answers to solve the riddle at the end.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

A. I’d like a hamburger, salad, and milk for supper. B. I’d like a hamburger salad and milk for supper.

FAST FACT

C. I’d like a hamburger salad and, milk for supper. D. I’d like, a hamburger, salad, and milk for supper. E. Louisa has a pair of red white and blue shorts. F. Louisa has a pair, of red, white and blue shorts. G. Louisa has a pair of red, white, and blue shorts. H. Louisa has a pair of red white, and blue, shorts. I.

The shopkeeper said “Everything is on sale,”

J. The, shopkeeper said, “Everything is on sale.” K. The shopkeeper said “Everything, is, on sale.” L. The shopkeeper said, “Everything is on sale.”

Commas are used to separate items in a list, to separate a quotation from the rest of the sentence, to separate a city from a state or country, to separate the month and day from the year, and to separate clauses in a sentence.

M. I was born on May 23 1991. N. I was, born on May 23, 1991. O. I was born on May, 23, 1991. P. I was born on May 23, 1991. Q. My favorite cousins live in, Los Angeles California. R. My favorite cousins, live, in Los Angeles, California. S. My favorite cousins live in Los Angeles California. T. My favorite cousins live in Los Angeles, California. U. The cake smelled delicious, which made the children hungry. V. The cake smelled delicious which made the children hungry. W. The cake smelled delicious which made the children, hungry. X. The cake smelled delicious which, made the children hungry.

52

7.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Y. Grown-ups, kids, and animals all enjoyed the good weather. Z. Grown-ups, kids, and animals, all enjoyed the good weather. A. Grown-ups kids and animals all enjoyed the good weather. B. Grown-ups kids, and animals all enjoyed the good weather. C. The next century will begin on January 1 2100. D. The next century will begin on January 1, 2100. E. The next century will, begin on January 1 2100. F. The next century will begin on January, 1, 2100. G. My chores are to make my bed clean my room and set the table for dinner. H. My chores are to make my bed, clean my room and set the table for dinner. My chores are to make my bed, clean my room, and set the table for dinner.

I.

J. My chores are to, make my bed clean my room and, set the table for dinner. K. Mr. Linnett, the principal of our school, is very funny. L. Mr. Linnett the principal of our school is very funny. M. Mr. Linnett the principal of, our school, is very funny. N. Mr. Linnett, the principal of our school is, very funny. O. Brett wanted to be here, today but he, has the flu. P. Brett wanted to be here today, but he has the flu. Q. Brett wanted to be here today, but, he, has the flu. R. Brett wanted, to be here today but he has the flu. S. Grandma grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota. T. Grandma grew up in Bismarck North Dakota. U. Grandma grew up in Bismarck North, Dakota. V. Grandma grew up in, Bismarck North Dakota.

Now solve the riddle! Each number below stands for one of the questions. Write the letter of the correct answer above each number. You will spell out the answer to this riddle: What flowers have big mouths? __ __ __ __ __ __! 5

6

3

9

11

12

53

SKILL: Periods, Question Marks, Exclamation Points

Sentence Enders

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Look at each set of sentences. Fill in the circle next to the sentence that is punctuated properly. When you are finished, use the letters of your answers to solve the riddle at the end.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

A. We stayed at the park for one hour, B. We stayed at the park for one hour. C. We stayed at the park for one hour? D. We stayed at the park for one hour E. Help! There’s a fire! F. Help. There’s a fire. G. Help. There’s a fire? H. Help! There’s a fire I.

Do you know the capital of California.

J. Do you know the capital of California! K. Do you know the capital of California? L. Do you know the capital of California M. Is Francine home sick today. N. Is Francine home sick today! O. Is Francine home sick today P. Is Francine home sick today? Q. My name is Colin? R. My name is Colin. S. My name is. Colin T. My name is Colin!? U. Marigolds need a lot? of sun. V. Marigolds need a lot of sun W. Marigolds need a lot of sun. X. Marigolds need a lot of sun,

54

FAST FACT A statement ends in a period. (.) A question ends in a question mark. (?) A strong command or an exclamation ends in an exclamation point. (!)

7.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Y. Stop, thief? Z. Stop, thief A. Stop, thief! B. Stop, thief. C. Wearing sunscreen protects your skin from dangerous rays D. Wearing sunscreen protects your. skin from dangerous rays E. Wearing sunscreen protects your skin from dangerous rays. F. Wearing sunscreen protects your skin from dangerous rays? G. What time will the next train depart? H. What time will the next train depart I.

What time will the next train depart!

J. What time will the next train depart. K. Zachary rides a green mountain bike L. Zachary rides a green mountain bike. M. Zachary rides a green mountain bike,? N. Zachary rides a green mountain bike: O. I just won a million dollars P. I just won a million dollars, Q. I just won a million dollars.? R. I just won a million dollars! S. Would you like to share a snack T. Would you like to share a snack? U. Would you like to share a snack! V. Would you like to share a snack.

Now solve the riddle! Each number below stands for one of the questions. Write the letter of the correct answer above each number. You will spell out the answer to this riddle: Who gets paid for loafing around? __ 7

__ __ __ __ __! 1

7

3

8

11

55

SKILL: Quotation Marks

Quotation Location Look at each set of sentences. Fill in the circle next to the sentence that uses quotation marks properly. When you are finished, use the letters of your answers to solve the riddle at the end.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

A. “Please open the letter, said Jeffrey.” B. “Please open the letter, said Jeffrey. C. “Please open the letter,” said Jeffrey. D. Please open the letter, said Jeffrey.” E. Our national anthem is The Star-Spangled Banner. F. Our national anthem is “The Star-Spangled Banner. G. Our national anthem is The Star-Spangled Banner.” H. Our national anthem is “The Star-Spangled Banner.” I.

“I was on TV!” Lucy exclaimed.

J. “I was on TV! Lucy exclaimed.” K. I was on TV! Lucy exclaimed. L. “I was on TV! Lucy exclaimed. M. The umpire shouted, “You’re out! N. The umpire shouted, “You’re out!” O. The umpire shouted, You’re out! P. “The umpire shouted, You’re out!” Q. Chapter 4 is called A New Beginning. R. “Chapter 4” is called A New Beginning. S. Chapter 4 is called A New Beginning.” T. Chapter 4 is called “A New Beginning.” U. “Will you join me for lunch? Gil asked. V. Will you join me for lunch? Gil asked. W. “Will you join me for lunch?” Gil asked. X. “Will you join me for lunch? Gil asked.”

56

FAST FACT Quotation marks go around a person’s exact words. They also set apart the titles of songs and poems and the titles of chapters in books. Quotation marks always come in pairs.

7.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

8.

9.

10 .

11.

12.

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Y. “Check the card catalog, the librarian suggested. Z. Check the card catalog the librarian suggested. A. “Check the card catalog,” the librarian suggested. B. “Check the card catalog, the librarian suggested.” C. Jody’s favorite saying is, Live and let live.” D. Jody’s favorite saying is, Live and let live. E. Jody’s favorite saying is, “Live and let live.” F. “Jody’s favorite saying is, Live and let live.” G. The poem is called, “The Hilltop.” H. The poem is called The Hilltop. I.

The poem is called, The Hilltop.

J. The poem is called, The Hilltop.” K. The clerk asked may I help you find something? L. The clerk asked, May I help you find something? M. The clerk asked, “May I help you find something?” N. The clerk asked, “May I help you find something? O. I pledge allegiance to the flag, the class recited. P. “I pledge allegiance to the flag,” the class recited. Q. “I pledge allegiance to the flag, the class recited. R. “I pledge allegiance to the flag, the class recited.” S. Donald asked, “What time is it?” and Lora answered, Ten thirty. T. Donald asked, What time is it? and Lora answered, Ten thirty. U. Donald asked, “What time is it? and Lora answered, Ten thirty.” V. Donald asked, “What time is it?” and Lora answered, “Ten thirty.”

Now solve the riddle! Each number below stands for one of the questions. Write the letter of the correct answer above each number. You will spell out the answer to this riddle: What animal always wins at a game of cards?

__ 7

__ __ __ __ __ __ __! 1

2

8

8

5

7

2

57

Answer Key WORD SEARCH PUZZLES Noun Hunt (page 9) People: 1. teacher; 2. mother

Verbs Help Out (page 11): 1. were; 2. should;

and father; 3. teenager; 4. singer; 5. aunt. Places: 6.

3,. can; 4. is; 5. am; 6. did; 7. do; 8. have; 9. are; 10.

store; 7. school; 8. restaurant; 9. home; 10. airport.

has;A11. F was; M 12. I Gmight; H T13.Ehad. B

B A cloud. P P L E S T O R E B

S C H O 0 L L E I B M A

H L D F H O M E A I R I

E O G O A B G N K C B R

A U N T C T Q A L Y C P

C D B N H E H G K C S O

K A I T A B L E Y L I R

G F D A F M W R R E N T

T E A C H E R T V A G M

R E S T A U R A N T E J

B M O T H E R P C I R Z

A S G M E G B U Z R S N

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Things: 11. bicycle; 12. bag; 13. apple; 14. table; 15.

D C S H D A V C L P M B

O L E A U B A M R U S W

I Q O D T N I K S A I T

H W N T G J D T X O H O

B E E N Q W C F A S A E

M R T P O Y H K M B V D

C E A V M W A S U V E S

L R K B N A R N H U J V

D S H O U L D L D N E P

P I J C S U I L G I P R T

A O S D F R M Q C D Z A Y

R E U I W H A S O N B H O

E G A D T E S E S T I I F

Verbs Help Out

Noun Hunt

Find the Verb (page 10): 1. begins; 2. visits; 3.

Good, Better, Best (page 12): 1. faster; 2.

caught; 4. read; 5. painted; 6. is; 7. won; 8. loves; 9.

cuter; 3. smart; 4. coldest; 5. tallest; 6. louder; 7.

shared; 10. sang; 11. made; 12. blew; 13. listens; 14.

dark; 8. harder; 9. earlier; 10. closest.

B L M E P I Y B R L C X

P A I N T E D R F E W H

H E S S U B J O S R A R

D C B N T R W K H V O D

broke; 15. has.

M A D E Z E O E A I Q E

A U G S G O N M R S J A

K G I A V I U S E I A B

H H C O S A N G D T O L

A T E F L H M S B S G E

S A L O V E S T I D E W

C O I H S I R B H E Y O

I L N V R E P C T R H E

A L H A R D E R P U

H M B D T A A I S B

S C E A R L I E R A

D M O L F O A O T Y

Y N A N A V E C A R

B E K R S H T L L C

R L C J T E Y O L O

O O G M E K I S E L

C U T E R F D E S D

Good, Better, Best

Find the Verb

58

U D N A C O L S T E

P E D B P N E T E S

E R I S A Z H B D T

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Noun Substitutes (page 13): 1. I; 2. he; 3. it; 4.

For Short (page 15): 1. c (Doctor); 2. h (Mister); 3.

they; 5. him; 6. us, ours; 7. you; 8. she; 9. we; 10. he;

i (Street); 4. f (television); 5. l (January); 6. k

11.Aher; O 12. U them; R S 13. M my; C L14.Bits;H15.Etheir. D A

(Pennsylvania); W E M Q 7. N bI(Avenue); A D J 8.Rd (Saturday); T R E V 9. a

I O E J H K R D B P T N

B M L Q E U X F H H R U

H R Y H D T S M E M U F

C E A O S E P I R A J Y

N D I S H G R A E L O I

P T K I E W C F Y U T G

S G C R V T H E I R B C

A F O E C N B M D A R M

H M W Q A I E K F Q E Y

X E B J S T H E Y S C D

I N L G R S L T H Z P A

T H E M K E M S I R E H

D G I L O R U Z M M T Q

(October); P U A10.Te (miles E L EperVhour); I S11.I j O(United N E States); 12. Eg (California). X N D O

N N S Y L V A N I A D

B G Q H C K S E C X J

E K M I S T E R A D A

I O I F R L A N L A N

M T L E A B U H I V U

C P A E S I A N O F E A

T H T S D R D I F O N R

O J R P Y S G P J R U Y

R A L E B E T Q E N E R

A T U R D A Y A S I M W

F D N H P O F Z T A A Q

O C T O B E R U M E B B

P G S U R H I K C R S I

O S T R E E T L E B C B

For Short

Noun Substitutes

SNAIL (“WRAPAROUND”) PUZZLES Contraction Action (page 14): 1. not; 2. have;

Single Minded (page 16): 1. planet; 2. truck; 3.

3. am; 4. had; 5. will; 6. are; 7. is; 8. It; 9. us.

key; 4. yard; 5. ditch; 6. hill; 7. leaf; 8. foot; 9. trip;

A H K D A C O L G P U

N F A Q H I S I N A M

E X U D B N E Y H E C

A I N T N W F A M U H

R J L E O Z V T F C S

E O A S T E G V S O K

H E C F G R U E W N E

B A N I E A J H I B A

M G V T I S G A L D I

I D U E T L I G L P R

S R A Q U I P W E D O

1 10. penny; 11. yam; 12. man;2 13. nickel; 14. light.

P

A

8

E

L

A

N

F

O

O

I

C

K

13

7

L L

9

E

T

R

T

R

U

E 14

N

T

A

H

G

L

P

I

E

K E 4

I

M

A

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Contraction Action

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In the Past (page 17): 1. I slept in a bed; 2. She

Cr eate a Word (page 19): 1. footprint; 2.

turned the key; 3. We decided what to eat for lunch;

teardrops; 3. sunshine; 4. earthquake; 5. eyelid; 6.

1

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4. Stephan drew a picture; 5. I won the spelling bee;

doorknob; 7. baseball; 8. lifetime; 9. eggshell; 10.

her head in agreement; 7. They 6. Rachel nodded 7

lighthouse; 11. earring. 5

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you to watch the scary movie; 11. We did the dishes.

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Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

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CREATE A WORD

Pick a Preposition (page 18): 1. below; 2.

Which One (Won) Is It? (page 20): 1. aunt; 2.

without; 3. toward; 4. despite; 5. except; 6. through-

too; 3. one; 4. eight; 5. threw; 6. week; 7. know; 8. 1 2 3

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out; B 7. Eto; 8.Lonto;O9. on; W10. Inear.T

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weigh; 9. heard; 10. deer; 11. right; 12. Their; 13.

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WHICH WON IS IT?

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H 5

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PICK A PREPOSITION

E 11

12

Do They Agree? (page 21): 1. have; 2. eat; 3.

Invisible Nouns (page 23): DOWN: 1. sadness;

tries; 4. shines; 5. says; 6. swim; 7. make; 8. earns;

2. love; 3. democracy; 5. beauty; 6. courage; 7. intelli-

9. swing; 10. grow; 11. was; 12. sits; 13. switch; 14.

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gence; 10.S sharing. ACROSS: 4. hope; L 6.Dconfidence;

has. 8

8. respect; 13. H O 12. P kindness; E A 9. fairness; 11. concern;

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anger.

D 7 C O N F I D O E N U S T 8 R E S P E C A L G L 9 E F A I R G 11 C O N C E R N C E 6

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Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

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DO THEY AGREE?

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B V E N C E A U T Y

M O C R A C Y

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N E S S H A N R 12 K I N D N E S S N 13 A N G E R

CROSSWORD PUZZLES

Invisible Nouns

Make It T wo! (page 22): DOWN: 1. plants; 2.

Wher e’s the Action?

1 waitresses; 4. feet; 6. deer; 7. notes; 10. children; 12.

3. meet; 4. erased; 5. rock; 6. walked; 8. opened; 12.

P cookies; 13. people; 15. keys; 16. mice. ACROSS: 3. L W bananas; 5. presidents; 8. subjects; 9. itches; 11. F B A N A N A S disks; 14. tomatoes; 17. televisions. I N E T T E P R E S I D E N T S E O E S U B J E C T S I T C H E S R E H E S C P D I S K S L T O M A T O E S O O D K P R M K T E L E V I S I O N S L N E C E Y S E S 2

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L fly; 14. baked; 15. carry; 16. wore. ACROSS: 2. E smiled; 6. wrote; 7. shook; 9. laughed; 10. won; 11. 2

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L E 18. D yelled. S M17.I roared; eat; 13. climbed;

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(page 24): DOWN: 1 led;

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R O E R C E A 7 8 S H O O K R O T E E P E A U G H E D 10 W O N 12 E A T F 13 14 C L I M B E D Y A 15 K C 16 E A W 17 R O A R E D R R 18 E Y E L L E D

MAKE IT TWO

Where’s the Action? 61

Pronoun Magic (page 25): DOWN: 1. they; 3.

It’s Only Pr oper (page 27): DOWN: 2. Atlantic;

they; 5. she; 8. mine; 11. us; 13. ours; 17. her; 18.

3. American; 4. Chinese; 5. Christmas; 6. Hawaiian;

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4. theirs; R 16. T H E6. her; I R7. Shim; 9. me; 10. you;H12.E your; 7

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M T7. R A K 9. Irish. ACROSS: 1. Amtrak; 3.AArctic; Great; 8.

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my; 20. 2. it; T its; 21. she; 23. our; 25. we.I ACROSS: T them; E19. his; 22. yours; M whose. E M their; 25. H I 24. 10

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Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

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I Y O U R 15 N U 16 17 18 R T H E M 19 20 21 22 23 E Y O U R S H I S 24 T H E I R U 25 R W H O S E E Y O U S

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Nike; 10. South; 11. Asian; 12. Disney.

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It’s Only Proper

Awesome Adverbs (page 26): DOWN: 1. happi-

Subject Search (page 28): DOWN: 1. Travis; 2.

ly; 2. loudly; 3. slowly; 5. angrily; 7. hopefully; 9. fast;

telephone; 3. star; 6. everyone; 8. music; 9. Shelly;

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2

10. never.HACROSS: U N G1. Rhungrily; I L 4. Y hard; 6. lightly; 8.

10. Litter. ACROSS:1 1. they; 2. teachers; 4. she; 5.

A well; 9. finally; 11. there.

newspaper; 7. shoes; 8. mare; 9. sun; 11. store; 12.

3

P S P L I O 8 W E L L Y Y 9 F I A S 11 T H

O U 4 5 H A R D 6 7 N L I G H T L Y L G Y O R P I E 10 F N A L L Y U E Y L7 V L E R E Y R

Awesome Adverbs

T H R it; 13. cheese; 2 14. letter. T E A C 4 S H E V L I 5 N E W S P P 7 S H O E S O 9 10 S U N L E I H 12 E I T T L 14 L E T T E R Y R

E Y

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H E R S T A 6 A P E R V E 8 M A R E U Y 11 S T O R E I N 13 C H E E S 9E

Subject Search

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PARTNER STORIES

RIDDLE BUBBLE TESTS

Food Fight! (page 29): Answers will vary.

A Capital Idea (page 40): 1. B; 2. F; 3. I; 4. N; 5. S; 6. W; 7. A; 8. E; 9. I; 10. K; 11. O; 12. S. Riddle: In a snowbank.

The Strangest Field T rip Ever Whose Is It? (page 42): 1. D; 2. G; 3. I; 4. N; 5. R; 6. V; 7. A; 8. C; 9. I; 10. N; 11. O; 12. T; 13. Y. Riddle: In a dictionary.

(page 30): Answers will vary.

Alien Adventure (page 31): Answers will vary.

The Genuine Articles (page 44): 1. C; 2. H; 3. I; 4. O; 5. T; 6. V; 7. A; 8. E; 9. H; 10. M; 11. O; 12. S. Riddle: To the moo-vies.

Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

I See the Futur e! (page 32): Answers will vary.

Using Contractions (page 46): 1. C; 2. H; 3. L; 4. N; 5. T; 6. U; 7. A; 8. E; 9. I; 10. M; 11. O; 12. U. Riddle: launch time.

Say It With Adjectives (page 33): Answers will vary.

A Parts-of-Speech Circus Be Agreeable (page 48): 1. A; 2. F; 3. I; 4. O; 5. R; 6. V; 7. A; 8. E; 9. I; 10. L; 11. R; 12. V. Riddle: A river.

(page 34): Answers will vary.

Is It a Sentence? (page 50): 1. B; 2. E; 3. I; 4. N; 5. T; 6. U; 7. A; 8. D; 9. G; 10. N; 11. R; 12. T. Riddle: Grin and bear it.

CRACK-THE-CODE STORIES Answers are listed in the order they appear in the stories.

Be a Comma Cop! (page 52): 1. A; 2. G; 3. L; A Pet Adventure (page 35): desperately, loudly, wildly, fearlessly, breathlessly, quickly, high, hungrily, suddenly, sadly, innocently. Message: Be kind to furry friends.

4. P; 5. T; 6. U; 7. Y; 8. D; 9. I; 10. K; 11. P; 12. S. Riddle: tulips.

Sentence Enders (page 54): 1. B; 2. E; 3. K; 4. P; 5. R; 6. W; 7. A; 8. E; 9. G; 10. L; 11. R; 12. T. Riddle: A baker.

Prepositions Show Position (page 36): to, from, on, without, in, except, inside, by, above, with, about, near. Message: Reach for your dreams.

Quotation Location (page 56): 1. C; 2. H; 3. I; 4. N; 5. T; 6. W; 7. A; 8. E; 9. G; 10. M; 11. P; 12. V. Riddle: A cheetah.

A Conjunction’s Function (page 37): and, since, but, because, so, or, once, before, yet, if. Message: Friends are treasures.

Hew, Wow! (page 38): hello, thanks, wow, phew, all right, hey, yuck, oops. Message: Stay on track. To Be or Not To Be (page 39): is, be, was, am, were, are, being, been. Message: Be a winner.

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Grammar Puzzles & Games Kids Can't Resist! © Karen Kellaher, Scholastic Teaching Resources

Notes