Compound Words for Kids

Learning about Compound Words can be a blast for kids, especially when they first discover to break down bigger words into smaller, more familiar pieces.

Can Non-Readers Explore Compound Words Too?

Absolutely! While reading skills can help with some compound word activities, there are plenty of ways to explore these word creations without needing to read yet.

Bonus! We’ve included a free printable compound word game at the end to make learning even more fun!

In this blog, you can download an interactive game with 30+ Compound word pictures, a tremendous Hands-on learning resource for kids to learn and practice compound words.

This article also illustrates Compound word Definitions and compound word types with some simple examples in each category.  So it is helpful for Parents/caregivers to learn the concept in detail before teaching it to their children.

Let’s dive in!

What is a Compound word?

A Compound word is formed when 2 Small words combine to form a new word with an entirely new meaning. In a nutshell, Two words put together to make a new word with a new meaning is called a Compound word.

In day-to-day life, we use a lot of Compound words without even realizing it. For example, We rarely correlate the word Butterly with Fly or Butter.

Likewise, kids will be surprised to learn that many commonly used words can be split into two or more words with new meanings.

Compound words examples

Now that we know that a compound word is One Long word that can be split into two meaningful small words. Let’s see some examples.

Compound words can be a combination of Noun + Noun or Adjective + Noun or even different combinations of nouns with verbs, prepositions, and adverbs.

Here is a list of the few most Commonly used Compound words

Noun + Noun Compound words Example

• Sun + Flower = Sunflower
• Rain + Bow = Rainbow
• Cup + Cake = Cupcake
• Snow + Man = Snowman

Adjective + Noun Compound words Example

• Black + Board = Blackboard
• Green +House = Greenhouse
• Full + Moon = Fullmoon

Noun + Adjective Compound words example

• Sugar + Free = Sugar-free
• Lap + Top = laptop

Verb + Noun Compound words example

• Living + Room = Living Room
• Driving  + Licence = Driving Licence
• Swimming Pool = Swimming Pool

Check out these articles to learn more about Compound Adjectives and Compound Nouns.

What are the types of Compound words?

Compound words are classified based on how they are written.

Closed compound Word – Two words written side-by-side with no space between; For example, Sunflower, Cupcake, bookshelf, etc

Hyphenated compound word – When a hyphen connects two words; For example – High-rise, Old-fashioned.  Sometimes there could also be more than 2 words (i.e., Father-in-law)

Open compounds – Commonly used together but are written with space in between. Examples: High school, Living room

How to teach the compound word to kids?

Compound words are a topic that is taught to kids while they are in kindergarten. But with this printable, beginner-level Readers or even kids who are yet to read can enjoy learning about compound words.

So here is how to teach them Step-by-step.

1. Use the Anchor chart to show some examples and explain the concept.
2. Show examples at home like Bookshelf, and Bathtub and describe how each word has two words with two new meanings.
3. Use the activity pages to play the matching game and Learn more Compound words. As you see in the image below, it has simple pictures that kids can recognize, combine and say the compound word.

I have made a thoughtful selection of common and easy compound words that kids can easily solve. All 32 words are in the Noun + Noun Format.

What’s included in the Compound words Printable?

The Compound words pack for kids has 9 printable pages. That includes an Anchor chart, 6 activity pages, and 4 Cut out pages.

The kids will have to find 32 Compound words using the pictures as clues.

The printable is in A4 format but can be printed in US letter size by choosing the “Fit” option in the Printer settings.

Preparation:

Print the sheets on thick printing papers (120 Gsm or above) and cut out the Matching pieces. You can Spiral bind or comb bind the pages and make a book. We like to Store the matching pieces in a small envelope.

Watch this video to see our Compound words book and also a clip of my daughter trying to match the answers.

If you are using it in a classroom setting or at home with many kids, I recommend Laminating the Sheets. Use Self Adhesive velcro dots for affixing the loose parts.

To learn how to laminate, you can watch this video on YouTube to learn How to Make a File folder activity. Check out the Supplies needed to make these activity pages.

Another way to use this pack is to do a Cut and paste activity. However, this will be a one-time activity, while the other activity can be used over and over again!

Similar Printable Activities for kids

• Critical Thinking worksheets
• Summer Pattern Block Mats
• Dot-to-dot copy pattern worksheets
• Read and Draw Worksheets

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Download the Compound Word Activity pack for Free

To receive your Compound words printable right in your inbox, Please enter your details in the form below. I will send all the pages listed above in one PDF file to download and print.

Please note that the Printable is for personal or classroom use only. If you have a family or friend who would like a have this, please send them over to this post to download their own copy.