What are Compound Words: Definition, Examples & More

Compound words for kids are everywhere, seamlessly blending into our daily language. By merging two words into one, they help kids understand each word better and grasp complex ideas. This blog will guide you through different types of compound words, provide a compound words list, and ways to teach compound words to kids. Let’s dive in!

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What are Compound Words?

Compound words are words that are formed by joining two or more smaller words together to form a new phrase that has a different meaning.

Here are some compound words examples:

• Sunflower – Combines “sun” and “flower.”
• Toothbrush – Merges “tooth” and “brush.”
• Playground – Joins “play” and “ground.”

What Are the Types of Compound Words for Kids?

Now that we know what compound words are, let us understand what are the types of compound words that students should know and understand. You can focus on the utility of compound words to help students learn them better.

150 Examples of Compound Words for Kids

Compound words come in all variations, making them an important topic to focus on as kids progress from grade to grade. You can use these 150 examples of compound words to teach kids about the subject area within your own lesson plan.

50 Closed Compound Word Examples

50 Open Compound Words Examples

50 Hyphenated Compound Words

8 Fun Ways of Teaching Compound Words to Kids

Teachers should look for two essential elements when explaining compound words to students:

• You should remember to explain that compound words can have new meanings when connecting two smaller words.
• You should also clarify that complex words can be three words coming together to form a new word. Compound words can be multi-syllable, but not all multi-syllable words are compound words. This should help kids understand what they are without feeling confused.

Compound words for kids can be complicated to pick up through verbal instructions alone. You can focus on games, puzzles, toys, and exercises to get kids to understand the utility and versatility of compound words.Here are some fun ways to get started:

1. Fill in the Blanks

In this activity, kids are provided with partially completed compound words, where each missing letter is represented by an underscore. For instance, ‘B__ksh__lf’ corresponds to the compound word ‘bookshelf’. Kids are tasked with identifying the missing letters and filling them in to form the complete compound word accurately. This exercise strengthens kids’ understanding of compound word structures and improves their spelling proficiency.

Here are some fun complete the compound word worksheets:

Christmas Compound Words

Complete the New Year Compound Words

Halloweeny Compound Words Worksheet

Fun with Compounds Worksheet

2. Compound Words Matching

In this engaging activity, kids are given two lists of words on a worksheet. Their task is to draw lines connecting words from the first list to the appropriate words in the second list to form compound words. This matching game not only makes learning fun but also enhances their ability to recognize how two different words can combine to form a new word with a new meaning.

Here are some fun compound words matching worksheet:

Matching Game: Compound Words Worksheet

Compound Words Matching Worksheet

Matching: Compound Words Worksheet

3. Name the Compound Word

This activity utilizes visual learning to solidify the concept of compound words. Kids are presented with pairs of images, each representing one word. Below each pair is a blank space where kids write the compound word that combines the two images. For example, a picture of a dog and a house would be combined to form “doghouse.” This visual association aids in better memory retention and understanding of compound words.

Get started with this printable worksheet:

Compound Word Snowfall

4. Identifying Compound Words in Stories

By reading through books and short stories, you can ask kids to identify compound words within the text. This will help them understand why we use compound words in English and how they impact contextualization and structuring.

5. Sing-Alongs

You can make poems and songs on compound words and use songs to help kids enjoy learning about compound words naturally. You can also bring props to demonstrate which words are compound words and which aren’t. 

6. Chopping Words

You can print out compound words on paper in a nice bold font and have your kids cut in the middle of the compound word to create two words. If your kids understand compound words correctly, they should be able to cut the compound word’s original root words.

7. Determining Which is Compound & Non-Compound

You can play a game with your students to help them understand compound words better. By giving them two options and asking them to figure out whether they are compound words or not, you can test their abilities organically. You can also provide references and compound words list examples.

8. Draw the Compound Word

This gives your kids a kinesthetic way of learning about compound words through painting. Kids can paint out the compound word based on the prompt shared with them. For instance, they can be given sun + screen, and they must draw a tube of sunscreen.

Discover more online educational resources and printable worksheets for kids that will help with their learning experience and make them smarter.

Related Reading: How Can Teachers Help English Language Learners

Conclusion

Understanding compound words is key for kids. By exploring this compound words list, they can grasp simple compound words effortlessly. Encouraging kids to recognize and use compound words in everyday language lays a strong foundation for their vocabulary skills. With practice and exposure, children can confidently navigate the world of compound words.

Related Reading: Sight Words for First Graders That Kids

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