word puzzle lunchbox notes: word play and word games on the go

It has been way too long since I’ve created some new lunchbox notes, and the kids were pretty desperate for some new ones.

So I searched through some of my old teaching files to find what I know my students loved–word puzzles.

These are quick, these are cool, and these are puzzles that the kids can share with friends at lunch. The more working on them, the merrier.

And as parents, any way we can get our kids playing with words, it’s a win.

Here’s the skinny. . .

Word Puzzle Lunchbox Notes — Word Play and Word Games on the Go:

The great thing about these–or any of our lunchbox notes, actually–is that you can print them out and take them anywhere.

So whether you’re trying to kill time on the sidelines of a basketball game, in the waiting area of a dance class, or in the doctor’s office, you can use these fun Word Puzzle cards.

Before you introduce them, it may be worthwhile to give your kids a little ‘how-to’. Though our kids are so smart, they may not even need the instructions.

Simply tell them,

Hey guys. These new lunchbox notes will get your brains moving while you eat. Very simply, these word puzzles somehow represent words, phrases, or sayings. That’s it. Just use your heads, look at the way the words are written, the way the words are arranged, and try to figure it out. Here are a few examples. . . (and then go through them).

Show your kids how some of the puzzles work:

And then? Have some fun.

It’s all about doing what we can to raise kids who are word conscious, friends. Playing with words, talking about words,

I simply printed out three copies of the Word Puzzle Lunchbox Notes, and then I cut them apart.

I then stack them so that each day I can quickly grab one from the pile, making sure Maddy, Owen, and Cora each get the same one on the same day. That way, we can talk about it together after school or at dinner.

I write a quick smiley face or ‘xoxo, Mom’ on the bottom or on the back, and we’re good to go.

Each day–when I remember!–I share lunchbox notes on Instagram. I’d love for you to follow and share yours!

Any guesses? We’re playing with words for these new lunchbox notes! Up on the blog today. #lunchboxlove #lunchboxnotes #raiseareader #wordgame #ontheblog

A photo posted by amy mascott (@teachmama1) on Jan 11, 2016 at 6:08am PST