Grade 1 English Word forms – Compound words Notes
English — Word forms
Subtopic: Compound words
A compound word is made when two (or more) words join to make one new word. The new word has a new meaning. We use many compound words every day at school, at home and on the playfield.
Easy rule:
Two small words + join them = one compound word
Three kinds of compound words
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Closed — the words join together with no space:
tooth + brush → toothbrush 🪥Other examples: schoolbag 🎒, playground ⚽, bedroom 🛏️.
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Hyphenated — the words join with a hyphen (-):
mother + in + law → mother-in-lawSimple example for children: sister-in-law.
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Open — the words stay as two words but act like one idea:
ice + cream → ice cream 🍨Other examples: washing machine, tea garden.
Short sentences (listen and read)
- I pack my schoolbag before I go to school. 🎒
- I brush my teeth with my toothbrush. 🪥
- We play in the playground after class. ⚽
Activity (for the teacher or parent)
- Say the two words and ask the child to join them: e.g. sun + flower → ? (sunflower 🌻)
- Circle the compound words from this list:
toothbrush banana schoolbag happy ice cream(Answers: toothbrush, schoolbag, ice cream)
- Ask the child to draw a picture of one compound word (e.g. a playground) and write the compound word under it.
Tip for parents:
Point out compound words when you read a story or when you walk together — e.g. "bedroom", "cupboard", "raincoat".
Notes: Keep activities playful. Use objects found at home or school so learning is fun and easy.