Colouring NestWord Searches for Kids
Picture word searches for pre-readers and Dolch sight-word searches for early readers, each with an answer key. All 20 worksheets are free to print or download as print-ready PDFs (US Letter and A4).
Filter pages by theme
Picture word searches (ages 4–6)
Sight word searches (ages 5–8)
How to use these pages
Word searches made for young children. Picture word searches put a picture next to every word, so children who can’t read yet can still play: they match the letters to the word under the picture. Sight-word searches use words from the Dolch lists that early readers learn to recognize by sight.
The grids are small and words only go across and down. Each page has an answer key; tap “Show solution” on the page to check.
Make your own with the word search maker: type your class’s spelling words, choose lowercase letters, and print.
Frequently asked questions
What age are picture word searches for?
Most children enjoy them from about age 4, once they can match letters. Sight-word searches suit about ages 5 to 8, from pre-K to third grade.
What are Dolch sight words?
Lists of common words (the, and, said, was…) put together by Edward Dolch in the 1930s and 1940s. Many of them can’t be sounded out easily, so children learn to recognize them by sight. The lists are public domain.
How do I help a child who gets stuck?
Point to the first letter of the word in the list, then let them find that letter in the grid and look right and down from it.
Is there a PDF to print?
Yes. Every page has free PDF downloads for US Letter and A4 paper, with the picture centered inside print-safe margins. Choose "Download PDF (Letter)" or "Download PDF (A4)" on the page and print at 100% (actual size).