Compound words are so fun to learn about but can be confusing at times. What do you mean it makes a whole new word? Well, with these free printable compound word puzzles, you can help with that confusion. Show students that a compound word takes two words like butter and fly and makes a brand new word - butterfly - that really has nothing to do with the words it is made of.
These free puzzles are perfect for literacy centers, small group work and independent practice. The recording sheet gives more accountability and practice with writing the words.
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Preparing Compound Word Puzzles
Supplies Needed:
Compound Word Puzzles Printable (free download at the bottom of this post)Laminator (optional)
Cardstock
Printer (this is the one I use)
Scissors or Paper Cutter
(You can find all of our favorite supplies for prepping activities in our Amazon storefront)
- Download and print out the compound word puzzles on cardstock.
- Laminate for durability if you plan to reuse these.
- Cut the cards apart so that you have 3 piece puzzles - one long rectangle and two smaller squares that fit together with a border going around all three pieces.
Playing with Compound Word Puzzles
To play with these compound word puzzles, have students look for two words that can be "pushed" together to create a new word. For example, rain and a bow can make rainbow. So students will put the picture of a rain cloud and the picture of a bow next to each other and then on top they will put the picture of a rainbow.
A matching puzzle will include three pieces and have a border that goes around all three parts. That will help scaffold this activity a little bit if students are struggling.
If you want a little more accountability, you can have students use the recording sheet that comes with this activity. When they find three pieces that go together, they can fill out the two words and then write the compound word that they make. This step isn't required but will help to make sure the students are actually building the correct words while they are working independently.
Download Your Compound Word Puzzles
Ready to grab your free copy of the printable compound word puzzles? Just enter your first 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.
Looking for more compound word activities? Check out this free rainbow themed compound words activity.