Looking for Compound Word Games?

You’ve found them! Maybe you’ve never noticed it before, but…

Some of our most commonly used words are compound words.

Everything. Cannot. Anybody. Herself. Something. Inside. Outside. Etc.

Whether you’re fascinated with the English language (or just learning it), knowing how to break up these words into their parts is a phonological awareness skill that helps students:

• Understand how words are formed
• Decode words while reading
• Identify context clues
• Aside from the fact that compound words are just fun!

Have Fun With Compound Words!

In this game, players will draw cards to match the first word of a compound word to its counterpart on the game board and use playdough to SMASH IT!

Practice Compound Word Identification  

This resource can be used as a reading center activity, with your guided reading group, or as a whole class activity (see below) to practice.

The download includes two versions of this game: depending on your students’ reading proficiency, players can match using words or pictures.

All players will need playdough and a compound word mat. Shuffle the word cards and place them in the center of the player area. Students take turns flipping over a card and identifying the word. Then, players look for a corresponding compound word on the board and use their playdough to SMASH IT! The next player chooses another card and continues smashing words. Continue playing until one student has SMASHED all of the words on their card.

More Ways to Use Your Compound Word Game

Group Play 

Divide your class into groups and give each a word mat. Using your smartboard or another projection device, present the word cards. Students will work together to identify compound words on their boards. The first team to cover all words on their card wins!

Warm-Up/Exit Activity

This activity can also be used as a formative assessment. Pick a word mat and project it on the board for the whole class to see. Read each of the words as a class, and have students write the compound word on a separate sheet of paper or a whiteboard.

Knock Off

Organize word cards as they appear on the compound word mats. Project a compound word mat on the screen, and use our Random Name Picker widget to draw a student’s name. Flip a card and reveal the word to the player. If the student correctly identifies the matching word on the mat that forms the compound word, they tap the person on their left or right to return them to their seat. If the student answers the card incorrectly, they must sit out. Play continues until there is only one student standing.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print the SMASH IT! cards on thick paper for added durability and longevity. Print the game boards on thick paper and slip them into dry erase sleeves to make this game more sustainable. The dough will be less likely to stick to and stain the cards.

This resource is available as an easy-to-use Google Slides or PDF file. To get your copy, click the dropdown arrow on the download button to select your preferred file format. Print your game boards, grab some playdough, and you’re ready to teach!

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter Collaborator.

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