Instructions
Compound words are formed when two smaller words are joined together to make a brand-new word with its own meaning (Example: sun + flower = sunflower).
- Complete Section 1 by matching the words in Column A and Column B to form a compound word.
- Complete the chart in Section 2 by breaking down words or building new ones, and writing a brief definition.
- Finish Section 3 by choosing the correct compound word to complete the sentence.
- Complete the Challenge Zone for extra practice.
Section 1: Match the Blocks
Draw a line connecting the word in Column A to the word in Column B to create a closed compound word. Write the new word on the line provided.
| Column A | Column B | New Word | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sun | (Draw a line) | flower | Sunflower |
- Foot | bow | New Word: __
- Star | box | New Word: __
- Rain | fish | New Word: __
- Mail | ball | New Word: __
- Post | card | New Word: __
Section 2: Building and Breaking
Fill in the missing parts of the table. You must either find the two smaller words or define the compound word.
| Word 1 | Word 2 | Compound Word | Meaning Hint (What does it mean?) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Snow | man | Snowman | A figure shaped out of snow. |
| Key | board | ||
| Butterfly | An insect with large, colorful wings. | ||
| Ear | ring | ||
| Water | fall | ||
| Sand | castle | ||
| Tooth | Toothpaste |
Section 3: Compound Context
Choose the best compound word from the box below to complete each sentence. Write the word on the line.
| Rainbow | Backyard | Popcorn | Toothbrush |
- After the storm passed, a bright __ appeared in the sky.
- We planted a small vegetable garden in our __.
- We used a machine to pop kernels and make salty, crunchy __ for the movie.
- Remember to use your __ before you go to sleep!
Section 4: Challenge Zone (Advanced Builders)
- Take the base word TIME. How many different closed compound words can you build using TIME as the first word? (Hint: There are at least three common ones!)
Word 1: __ Word 2: __ Word 3: __
- Reflection Question: Think of your favorite compound word. Break it down and explain why its parts make sense together.
My favorite compound word is __.
The two smaller words are __ and __.
Answer Key
Section 1: Match the Blocks
- Foot + ball = Football
- Star + fish = Starfish
- Rain + bow = Rainbow
- Mail + box = Mailbox
- Post + card = Postcard
Section 2: Building and Breaking
| Word 1 | Word 2 | Compound Word | Meaning Hint (What does it mean?) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key | board | Keyboard | A set of keys used for typing. |
| Butter | fly | Butterfly | An insect with large, colorful wings. |
| Ear | ring | Earring | Jewelry worn on the ear. |
| Water | fall | Waterfall | A stream of water dropping from a high place. |
| Sand | castle | Sandcastle | A model of a castle built with sand. |
| Tooth | paste | Toothpaste | A paste used with a brush to clean teeth. |
Section 3: Compound Context
- Rainbow
- Backyard
- Popcorn
- Toothbrush
Section 4: Challenge Zone (Advanced Builders)
-
(Possible Answers include: Timetable, Timekeeper, Timepiece, Timesaving, Daylight)
-
Answers will vary. Example: Homework. The two smaller words are Home and Work. It means work done at home.