2nd grade
Compound Words 2
Ten new pairs of small words that join into one: raincoat, snowball, sunflower, toothbrush, popcorn and ladybug.
Phonics worksheet · Syllables and word building
Suffixes: -ful and -less
Ten words with -ful (full of) and -less (without): helpful and helpless, careful and careless, colorful and fearless.
- Grade level
- 2nd grade
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Syllables, Prefixes and suffixes, Spelling rules for endings, Compound words
What kids do
“A suffix goes at the end of a word and changes what it means. Join each word and suffix and write the new word.”
Printed on the sheet:
- 2 -less means without help + less → helpless
Teacher tip
ful means full of, less means without. Compare helpful and helpless.
How to use it
- Clap, tap or put a hand under your chin to feel each syllable.
- Write the base word in one color and the ending or prefix in another.
- Use the sheet as a quick check after you teach the sound, then reteach in a small group.
Watch for
Kids who split syllables by letter count instead of sound. Clap the word again.
Talk about it
- How many parts does this word have?
- What sound does this letter or letter team make?
Take it further
Make a class book of compound words with a drawing for each.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
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Free for teachers
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