Preview: I love this rainbow themed compound word matching activity. The differentiated matching cards would make the perfect game for preschool through 2nd grade. Grab this freebie by clicking the link.
Practicing compound words with these cards can make the perfect literacy center, small group activity or even a fun game for ages preK-2nd grade. There are different versions to use to make the matching more or less of a challenge.
This post may contain affiliate links for your shopping convenience. View our full disclosure policy HERE.
Prepping Compound Word Matching Cards
To prep these cards, you really need to do nothing but print and cut apart. It might make it easier if you print on cardstock, laminate, and then cut apart so that this activity is more durable and can be reused. You can find our favorite tools for prepping activities like this in our Amazon Store here.
Included in this free download are rainbow matching cards for 12 different compound words. For each compound word, there is a matching rainbow that lists the two words that make up the compound word. I've included a set with labels underneath and a set with just the pictures. Then for students who need a little more of a challenge, there is a set with just pictures and a blank cloud where they have to write or draw the compound word. Print out the set that works for your students, or print them all and differentiate.
Playing Compound Word Matching Game
Have students pick a rainbow with two labels/pictures on the clouds. Either read the words or say what is in the picture. Push those words together to make a new compound word. Find the rainbow with that picture to make the match. For example tree + house would match with the treehouse picture.
Another way to use these compound word matching cards with older students is to have them write the compound word on the blank clouds. You could laminate (here is my favorite laminator) or put them in reusable page protectors and use dry erase markers. That would make it a great center and students could use it over and over again, just wipe off their answers and start again.
I've made this rainbow themed compound word matching game a FREEBIE for you. Just scroll to the bottom of this post to grab your download.
Other Rainbow Themed Learning Activities
Aren't rainbow themed activities so much fun? Check out some of these awesome bloggers and their rainbow activities that you can download (hint THEY ARE FREE!)
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
Rainbow Color Words Playdough Mats // Literacy with the Littles
Rainbow Shamrocks Color Sorting and Fine Motor Activity // Stay at Home Educator
Teen Number Rainbow Clip Cards // Recipe for Teaching
Rainbow Counting Puzzles // The Kindergarten Connection
Rainbow Money Match // The Simplified Classroom
Rainbow ABC Sensory Bottle with Printable // The Letters of Literacy
Compound Words Matching Activity // Sara J. Creations
Editable Rainbow Secret Code Word Cards // Fun Learning for Kids
CVC Words Rainbow Match Up // The Primary Post
Roll a Rainbow // Teach Me Mommy
Rainbow Bear Sorting Mats // Fairy Poppins
Rainbow Unicorn Toothpaste Science Experiment // Science Kiddo
Make a Rainbow with Playdough Printable // Powerful Mothering
Download Rainbow Compound Words
Ready to grab your free copy of the rainbow compound words? Enter your name and email address in the form below and it will be automatically emailed to you. Any questions or problems with getting the download? Check out our FAQs about Printables HERE.