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Classroom · Grammar · 2nd grade
Compound words worksheets
A free five-page pack: learn the rule with pictures, then sort words, find them in sentences and use them in writing, with an answer key.
Watch it solved
40 sec · with voice and captionsA pencil works one example of each activity, so you can see how the worksheet goes before you print it. Tap a step to jump to it. The rest of the sheet is left for your child to finish.
Read what the video says
- 0:00 Let's practice compound words, step by step.
- 0:03 A compound word is two small words joined together to make a new word. For example: sun + flower = sunflower
- 0:12 Look and say: sunflower, rainbow, cupcake.
- 0:16 Read each word, and write it in the right box. Rainfall goes in the rain box.
- 0:23 Read each sentence. Circle the compound word. We saw a rainbow.
- 0:28 Join the two words to make a compound word. Sun plus flower is sunflower
- 0:33 Great job! Now print the free worksheet, and finish the rest on your own.
The rule
The ruleA compound word is two small words joined together to make a new word.
sun + flower = sunflower
Look and say
- sunflowersun + flower
- rainbowrain + bow
- cupcakecup + cake
- popcornpop + corn
- butterflybutter + fly
- ladybuglady + bug
- toothbrushtooth + brush
- mailboxmail + box
Try some
We saw a rainbow.We saw a rainbow.Show answer
I ate a cupcake.I ate a cupcake.Show answer
A butterfly sat on a leaf.A butterfly sat on a leaf.Show answer
Put on your raincoat.Put on your raincoat.Show answer
The sunflower is tall.The sunflower is tall.Show answer
I have a new toothbrush.I have a new toothbrush.Show answer
We play football at school.We play football at school.Show answer
Look at the starfish.Look at the starfish.Show answer
Find the words in each sentence, then tap to check.
What the worksheets look like
Common questions
What are compound words?
A compound word is two small words joined together to make a new word.
How do I teach compound words?
Cut picture cards in half and let children match the parts: sun and flower, cup and cake. Then ask them to guess what a new compound word means from its two parts.
What mistake should I watch for?
Writing a compound word as two words, as in "rain bow". Read it aloud as one word and check that the two parts are joined.
What grade learns compound words?
Usually 2nd grade. In the Common Core it is part of L.2.4d.
