Activity Description

Preparation:

1. Write a number of compound words as well as their component root words on slips of paper
   1. All compound words should be written on the same color paper
   2. All root words should be written on the same color paper

Implementation:

1. Review the definition of compound words and how they are formed
   1.  Invite students to share their definitions and to provide examples
2. Present 2 root words
   1. Have students define each root word
   2. For example, “pan” and “cakes”
3. Invite students to combine the root words to form a compound word
   1. For example, “pan” plus “cakes” produces “pancakes”
   2. Display the root words and compound word as a written equation
   3. For example, pan + cakes = pancakes
4. Present 1 root word and have students determine a root word that it can be combined with to form a compound word
   1. For example, present the word “black” and ask students to identify another word that it can be joined with to create a compound word
   2. For example, “black” plus “board” produces “blackboard”
   3. Encourage multiple responses and ideas and record all
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until students have generated a number of compound words
6. Have students generate a definition for compound words
7. Discuss how knowing compound words can help with reading, spelling, and understanding words

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Provide pictorial representations of root words and compound words whenever possible

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Display an example of 2 roots words joining to form a compound word to serve as a reference throughout the activity

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Ensure that root words and compound words are relevant, meaningful and accessible to all students

Related References

Evidence:
Mountain, L. (2005). ROOTing out Meaning: More Morphemic Analysis for Primary Pupils. The Reading Teacher, 58, 742-749.