Learning compound words can be a fun and engaging experience for upper elementary students. This post shares a variety of hands-on activities that build vocabulary and reinforce reading and word analysis skills. From anchor charts and cloze sentences to word games and foldable organizers, each idea helps students internalize the structure and meaning of compound words.
All the activities featured are included in a downloadable handout with word lists, definitions, and teaching tips.
Teaching Idea #1 – Compound Anchor Chart
Create this interactive anchor chart using sticky notes. Start by writing simple base words (like “sun,” “flower,” “ball,” “room”) on separate sticky notes. Mix them up on a table, and have students select two that form a compound word.
Students match sticky notes and place them on the chart to build compound words. It’s a quick, visual way to introduce or review the concept.
Teaching Idea #2 – Cloze Sentences
Students complete sentences using compound words, building vocabulary and inference skills. Some root words repeat with different endings—like “landmark” and “landslide”—so students must use context clues to decide which fits. This encourages critical thinking about how compound words form and function in language.
Teaching Idea #3 – Smart Notebook Activities
This interactive Smart Notebook file includes 15 pages of compound word practice, ideal for whole-class or small group instruction. You’ll find a link to this file in the downloadable handout.
Teaching Idea #4 – Compound Word Foldable Organizer
Students choose five compound words to complete this hands-on foldable. On the outside flaps, they write the two words that form the compound. Inside, they define the compound word and illustrate it. This is a great way to reinforce meaning through both writing and drawing.
Teaching Idea #5 – Spelling Rules
This reference sheet explains common spelling patterns for compound words. Students can use it as a guide while completing activities. A printable student version is included in the handout, along with additional rules and examples.
Teaching Idea #6 – Online Games
Introduce your students to digital practice with games like the Compound Word Game Index at EZ School. These interactive tools provide extra reinforcement in a low-stress format.
Compound Word Game Index at EZ School
Teaching Idea #7 – Compound Word Chains
Challenge your students to link compound words into chains where the last part of one word starts the next.
Examples:
- earthquake → quakeproof → proofread
- sunflower → flowerbed → bedtime → timekeeper
- walleye → eyeball → ballroom → roommate
The handout includes more examples to guide practice.
Teaching Idea #8 – Compound Word Crossword Puzzle
This challenging puzzle features 20 advanced compound words like “guideline,” “icebreaker,” and “sharecropper.” Clues encourage deeper vocabulary thinking and make an engaging review activity.
Teaching Idea #9 – Compound Word BINGO
Students use a provided word list to fill in their own BINGO cards. The teacher then gives clues using definitions, synonyms, or example sentences.
Extra Ideas:
Compound Word Pictionary:
Have students draw pictures of compound words and have their classmates guess the compound word.
Compound Word Charades:
Students can act out the two parts of a compound word and have their classmates guess what the compound word is.
Compound Word Memory Game:
Create cards with compound words and have students play a memory-matching game.
Teaching Idea #10 – Word Search
A classic word search featuring compound words offers a quiet reinforcement option. This puzzle, created by Super Teacher Worksheets, is included in the handout.
Grab the Free Handout
All of the activities above—plus word lists, charts, templates, and game instructions—are available in one printable PDF.
Bring compound words to life in your classroom with interactive lessons your students will love!
