Reconciliation Week: Vocabulary Word Search Worksheets is a vocabulary-building resource designed to support students in understanding and using key terms associated with Reconciliation Week. Held annually from May 27 to June 3, Reconciliation Week is a time to celebrate the cultures, contributions and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while encouraging all Australians to engage in respectful relationships and shared understanding.

Aligned with this year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, these word search worksheets introduce students to important vocabulary that reflects the values and goals of reconciliation. Students are encouraged not only to locate and highlight words within the puzzle but also to research and define each one, deepening their understanding and making meaningful connections with the language of Reconciliation Week.

This resource includes three differentiated worksheets, making it suitable for a variety of year levels and learning needs. It’s ideal as a vocabulary warm-up before a writing task, as part of a literacy rotation, or to accompany a Reconciliation Week discussion or reflection. Each worksheet features a mix of horizontal, vertical and diagonal word placements, providing an accessible yet engaging challenge. Answer keys are also provided for easy checking.

Featuring exclusive artwork by Ryhia Dank of Nardurna, this resource blends literacy and cultural awareness in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and define key reconciliation-related vocabulary
• ✅ Build cultural awareness through language and literacy
• ✅ Strengthen spelling, scanning and pattern recognition skills
• ✅ Support written tasks with relevant and meaningful vocabulary

What’s Included:

• Three differentiated word search worksheets focused on Reconciliation Week vocabulary
• Matching vocabulary definition table for each worksheet
• Answer key for each version
• Exclusive illustrations by Ryhia Dank (Nardurna)

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets
• Highlighters, pencils or coloured markers
• Dictionaries or internet access for word research (optional)

How to Use:

• Introduce the purpose and significance of Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme
• Distribute worksheets and review the included vocabulary with the class
• Students find each word in the puzzle and shade or highlight it
• In the space provided, students research and record the meaning of each word

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a warm-up before a Reconciliation Week writing or reflection activity
• 💡 Add to a literacy centre or use as part of a vocabulary lesson
• 💡 Use in conjunction with the other resources in our Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Encourage students to use their new vocabulary words in a writing task or group discussion
• 💛 Pair students for collaborative searching and discussion of word meanings
• 💛 Create a Reconciliation Week word wall using the vocabulary from these worksheets

Reconciliation Week: Vocabulary Word Search Worksheets offers a purposeful way to build literacy and cultural understanding, supporting your students in developing the language they need to think, speak and write meaningfully about reconciliation.