“Word Play” by Ivan Brunetti
This is a fun little book that is perfect for introducing compound words. It starts with a little girl at school as their teacher explains what a compound word is and then assigns them to make a list of compound words for homework. On the way home the little girl thinks up some more compound words with her dad and is ready for school the next day.
The illustrations in this book are done in a comic style and are perfect for teaching this concept. There are many examples of compound words illustrated in a literal way as a way to “play” with the words. For example it has a sun on a stem for “sunflower” and a hair bow that is raining for “rainbow”. A great little book to add to your grammar instruction.
Click here to purchase “Word Play” *affiliate link
Compound Word Activity and Free Printable
My favorite part of this book are all the humorous illustrations of compound words. It also translates easily into an extension activity for kids. Below I created a printable (free for personal and educational use) that kids can use to illustrate their own compound word.
It is such an easy and fun activity. You simply print out the pages and on the first page they draw their picture (no words allowed) and on the second page they write their word. Next, you cut out three sides of the flap on the first page (the one with the drawing) and lastly you glue the pages together omitting the flap and the rectangle with the written compound word on the second sheet. That way you create a working flap underneath the drawing that kids can use to lift and reveal the compound word.
The idea behind this is that you can display them when they are finished and have people see if they can guess the compound word chosen by the illustration alone. They can then self check their guess by lifting the flap. It makes for a fun, interactive classroom display, or simply a fun “riddle” for kids to share with friends and family.
If children are having a harder time combining both parts of the compound word in one illustration a suggestion would be to allow them to draw a line down the middle of their drawing sheet and draw both halves of the word separately. It still creates a riddle and would still be entertaining to guess.
Click here for page one: compound word printable 1
Click here for page two: compound word printable 2
If you give this Beyond the Book activity a try I’d love to hear how it goes! Share it on Instagram using hashtag #beyondthebook (I’m on Instagram as @book.nerd.mommy) or even just comment here with your thoughts. It would make my day! Or to simply save for later pin the image below.
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