Two Mind-Bending May Crossword Puzzles in which all the Answers Start with "May"!

I love the beautiful month of May. Here in Kansas, the blustery, cold winds are gone, as are the rains of early spring. Thankfully, the days are getting longer and the nights shorter. May is known as the month of transition and holidays like Mother's Day, and Memorial Day. It is also recognized as Military Appreciation Month. Some other dates that hold significance are May 1st and May 5th.

May 1st is May Day, and marks the return of spring by the blossoming branches of the forsythia, or lilacs or daffodils popping their heads out of the ground, or the weather turning warmer. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo (The Fifth of May). This day celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. Did you know that no U.S. president has ever died in the month of May? In every other month of the year, at least one U.S. president has died.

Have you heard about these fun dates in May?

• May 1: School Principals’ Day
• May 2: World Tuna Day
• May 8: No Socks Day
• May 14 (second Wednesday in May): Root Canal Appreciation Day
• May 14: Dance Like a Chicken Day
• May 28: Slugs Return from Capistrano Day

As I thought about May, I discovered that numerous words begin with "MAY".  After much research, I compiled a list of 20 different such words to create two May themed crosswords puzzles perfect for students in grades 7-10. One puzzle includes a word bank for easier solving, while the other offers a more challenging experience without it. Although both puzzles use the same vocabulary, they have unique layouts, providing two distinct challenges for your students. And don't worry, I've included answer keys for both puzzles. 

$2.85

Here are some ideas on how you might use these puzzles.

1. Try giving the students the crossword with NO word bank to see how much they know.
2. Use the crossword with the word bank as a review of May and its traditions.
3. Use either crossword to work in pairs to complete the puzzle. Solving a crossword puzzle together is a great way to connect.
4. Copy it and make it available for those students who finish their work early.

Happy Puzzling!