Thanksgiving Word Scramble

The word bank version lists all twenty answers at the bottom, so younger kids can match letters instead of guessing. The no word bank version has the same scrambles and nothing else, which makes it a good puzzle for teens and adults. The large print version has the first twelve words in big, widely spaced letters with a large word bank, for seniors and anyone who prefers bigger type.

• The kids’ table. Print a few copies before the meal. It keeps young cousins busy while the turkey rests, and a pencil is all they need.
• A family race. Give each household a copy without the word bank and see who finishes first. The answer key on page two settles any argument.
• In the classroom. A quiet activity for the last days before the break, and good spelling practice: every word has to be written out in full. Pair it with our Thanksgiving word search.
• Senior centers and care homes. Hand out the large print sheet, or write one scramble at a time on a whiteboard and let the group call out guesses. Stories about past Thanksgivings tend to follow.

Count the letters first, then look for pairs that often go together, such as TH, CH, SH and ER, or an ending like ING. Place the vowels next: most words need one between every two or three consonants. If you are still stuck, write the letters in a circle so you stop reading them in the mixed-up order, or use the word bank and cross off each word you have solved. On this page, “Give me a letter” fills in the next letter of the word you are working on.