Using Compound Words

Two Words
Language Arts Give each child a sheet of paper labeled with the word birdhouse. Help the children read the word. Have available cutout drawings or magazine pictures of birds and small houses. On the labeled sheet of paper, each child pastes pictures of a bird and a house. The children read the two words. Then introduce and explain compound words. The children respond with their compound word (birdhouse). Continue the activity with greenhouse, shoestring, cowboy, doorknob, etc.

Compound Words
In this lesson the students will be introduced to compound words through the use of a multimedia presentation (provided). Students will then form compound words through the use of teacher-made puzzles. Finally, the students will participate in a game in which they "catch" compound words projected from an overhead projector by using strips of white poster paper.

Compound Words – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Students will be introduced to this lesson with the reading of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs written by Judi Barrett. Prior to the reading, it will be pointed out that the word "meatballs" is actually a compound word. Students will be asked to listen for any other compound words during the reading. Students will also be asked to make and confirm predictions about the story.