Rikki-Tikki-Tavi Vocabulary Activities | Synonyms, Word Search & Crossword | Grades 4–7
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi Vocabulary Activities | Synonyms, Word Search & Crossword | Grades 4–7
26 Words. Three Activities.
One Complete Vocabulary Pack.
Everything you need to build vocabulary for Rudyard Kipling's Rikki-Tikki-Tavi — definitions provided, student tasks built in, and two reinforcement puzzles ready to print.
Why This Resource
Vocabulary Work That Goes Beyond Copying Definitions.
Copying definitions does not build vocabulary. Students need to encounter a word multiple times, in multiple ways, before it sticks. This pack gives students the definition — and then asks them to do three things that actually develop word knowledge: find the word in the text, write an original sentence, and identify synonyms. Then the word search and crossword reinforce the same words in a completely different mode.
Definitions provided — thinking required
Students are not asked to look words up. They are asked to locate each word in their text, use it in a sentence of their own, and identify three synonyms. All three tasks require the student to actively engage with the word rather than passively copy information.
Literary terms built in
Alongside story vocabulary, the chart includes simile, personification, theme, setting, and figurative language — so students are developing literary analysis vocabulary at the same time they are building reading comprehension vocabulary. No separate resource needed.
Reinforcement in two formats
The word search and crossword use the same vocabulary in completely different ways — visual scanning for the word search, definition-to-word recall for the crossword. Students who finish the chart have two high-engagement activities ready to go without any additional teacher prep.
Standards alignment pages included
Common Core vocabulary standards are included as reference pages for grades 4 through 12 — so you can document alignment quickly without searching for the standard code yourself.
What's Included
Three Activities. One Complete Vocabulary Pack.
Every component works independently — use them together across a full reading unit, or use any single piece as a standalone activity, sub plan, or warm-up.
Vocabulary Chart — 26 Words
Definitions are provided for all 26 vocabulary words. Students complete three tasks on their own: the page number where each word appears in their text, an original sentence using the word correctly in context, and three synonyms. The completed chart becomes a reference tool students can use throughout their reading and any follow-up writing.
Definitions Provided · 3 Student Tasks · Literary Terms IncludedWord Search — 23 Words
A full word search puzzle featuring 23 vocabulary words from the story. The complete word list is printed below the puzzle. Works as independent practice, an early finisher activity, or a low-pressure warm-up on any day of the reading unit.
23 Words · Word List Included · No Answer Key NeededCrossword Puzzle — 20 Clues
A crossword puzzle with 20 clues — across and down — using the vocabulary definitions as prompts. Students must recall the correct word from its definition, which reinforces meaning in a different cognitive mode than the chart and the word search. A genuinely useful review activity after reading is complete.
20 Clues · Across & Down · Definition-to-Word RecallStandards Alignment Pages
Common Core vocabulary standards are included as separate reference pages — one for each grade band from 4th through 12th grade. Each page lists the relevant L-strand standards so you can document alignment without searching for standards codes yourself.
Grades 4–12 · CCSS L-Strand · Ready to UseThe Vocabulary Chart
Definitions Are Given. Students Do the Thinking.
The vocabulary chart gives students everything they need to get started — the word and its definition — and then asks them to do the three tasks that actually build word knowledge.
Find It
Students locate each word in their copy of the text and record the page number. This keeps reading active and helps students see vocabulary in authentic literary context.
Use It
Students write an original sentence using the word correctly. Producing a sentence requires a much deeper understanding of meaning than copying or matching.
Connect It
Students identify three synonyms for each word. Finding synonyms requires students to think about shades of meaning and word relationships — not just recall a definition.
The 26 Vocabulary Words
Story Vocabulary and Literary Terms — Both in One Chart.
The word list covers two categories — vocabulary from the story itself and literary terms used to analyze it. Students build both reading comprehension and literary analysis vocabulary at the same time.
Who This Works For
One Resource. Every Context You Need Vocabulary Practice For.
4th–7th Grade ELA
Pairs with any classroom edition of the story — textbook anthology, library copy, or digital text. Definitions are built in, so no separate reference materials are needed.
Homeschool Parents
Everything is self-contained. Definitions are already provided. The three student tasks are clearly labeled. No ELA background required to use this confidently.
Substitute Teachers
Students can work through all three activities independently. No teacher introduction required. The word list and clues give students everything they need.
Early Finishers
The word search and crossword work independently from the vocabulary chart — so students who finish other work early have a genuinely useful activity ready to go.
Ways to Use It
Vocabulary Instruction. Reading Reinforcement. Sub Plans. All of the Above.
- 📖Short story vocabulary unit — use the chart as students read, filling in page numbers as words appear
- 🔄Pre-reading preview — introduce definitions before reading so students recognize words in context
- 📌Sub plans — completely self-contained, no teacher introduction required
- ⏰Bell ringers or early finisher work — word search and crossword work independently
- 🏠Homeschool ELA — pairs with any edition of the story, definitions already provided
- 📚Literary terms practice — use the simile, personification, theme, setting, and figurative language entries alongside any ELA figurative language unit
- 📊Low-stakes assessment — use the crossword after reading as a vocabulary check
- 📝Independent work or homework — no teacher explanation needed to get started
Product Details
What You Are Getting
| Grade Level | Grades 4–7 ELA · Compatible with 8th grade review |
| Text | Rikki-Tikki-Tavi by Rudyard Kipling — short story (text not included; available in most school anthologies and public libraries) |
| Format | Printable PDF — no prep required. Print and go or assign digitally. |
| Vocabulary Chart | 26 words with definitions provided — students complete page number, original sentence, and 3 synonyms |
| Word Search | 23 vocabulary words — word list printed below the puzzle |
| Crossword | 20 clues across and down — definitions used as prompts |
| Literary Terms | Simile · Personification · Theme · Setting · Figurative Language — included in the vocabulary chart |
| Answer Key | Not included — synonym and sentence responses are student-generated; crossword and word search answers vary by edition |
| Standards | CCSS L.4–L.7 · Standards alignment pages included for grades 4–12 |
| License | Single classroom or personal homeschool use. Additional licenses required for teams, co-ops, schools, or districts. |
Common Questions
Before You Buy
Standards Alignment
Vocabulary Standards. Grades 4–7. All Covered.
This resource directly targets the vocabulary acquisition and use standards most relevant to grades 4–7. Standards alignment pages for grades 4 through 12 are included in the PDF so you can document alignment without hunting for standard codes.
26 Words. Three Activities.
Zero Prep.
Vocabulary chart with definitions provided, synonym practice, sentence writing, word search, and crossword — all in one printable PDF for Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.
Add to CartPDF delivered instantly · Grades 4–7 ELA · No prep required · Classroom + homeschool license · Sub plans ready