NAIDOC Week: Word Search Worksheets provide an engaging and educational way for students to build their vocabulary while exploring the meaning and significance of NAIDOC Week. With key words linked to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, these word searches support students in identifying, understanding and discussing important terms in a fun and accessible format.

This resource is perfect as an independent task, rotation station or early finisher activity, and it also supports class discussion around the history, achievements and ongoing contributions of First Nations Peoples in Australia. With clear layout, differentiated word lists and meaningful terms, this worksheet set is an ideal addition to your NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise and read vocabulary linked to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history
• ✅ Engage with NAIDOC Week themes in a developmentally appropriate way
• ✅ Build word recognition, scanning and spelling skills through a word search format
• ✅ Reflect on the meaning and significance of NAIDOC Week vocabulary

What’s Included:

• Printable NAIDOC Week word search worksheet (with key word list)
• Words presented horizontally, vertically and diagonally to build challenge
• Suitable for middle to upper primary learners

Materials Needed:

• Printed word search worksheets
• Pencils, highlighters or markers for circling or colouring
• Optional: dictionaries or classroom word walls for vocabulary support

How to Use:

• Begin by reading through the key words with students and discussing their meanings
• Students find and highlight or circle each word within the grid
• Follow up with class discussion about the significance of selected terms
• Encourage peer discussion or partner checking after completing the worksheet

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a warm-up or early finisher activity during NAIDOC Week
• 💡 Challenge students to use key terms in oral sentences or short written reflections
• 💡 Invite students to create their own NAIDOC-themed word searches using additional vocabulary
• 💡 Use in conjunction with the other resources in our NAIDOC Week collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Pre-teach unfamiliar words to ensure students understand the terms they are looking for
• 💛 Encourage the use of different coloured pencils or highlighters for each word
• 💛 Extend learning with vocabulary follow-up tasks like definitions, illustrations or sentence writing

NAIDOC Week: Word Search Worksheets are a fun and thoughtful way to introduce and explore meaningful vocabulary related to First Nations cultures, histories and stories while strengthening literacy skills.