Grade 1 · Spelling · Word study

1st Grade Compound Words worksheets

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Compound Words

Grade 1 Spelling Worksheet

NameDate

Write the answer on the line, or circle the answer.

Put “rain” and “bow” together. Write the new word.
2.
Which word fits? A flat breakfast cake you flip.
- cakepan
- cupcake
- doorbell
- pancake
3.
Split “bathtub” into two small words.
- tub + bath
- bath + tub
- bat + htub
- ba + thtub
Add the second word. A game with a bat, a ball and four bases.
Write the compound word. A box of sand to play in. It starts with “sand.”
Put “tooth” and “brush” together. Write the new word.
7.
Which word fits? A soft sea animal that wobbles.
- fishjelly
- backyard
- mailbox
- jellyfish
8.
Split “playground” into two small words.
- playg + round
- pl + ayground
- play + ground
- pla + yground
Add the second word. A box that holds your lunch.
Write the compound word. A home on a farm. It starts with “farm.”

1st Grade Compound Words worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Compound words join two complete words to create one new word with a connected meaning. First graders often understand the spoken parts but insert a space, reverse their order, or overlook one part while writing. This worksheet makes both source words visible in some questions and asks children to recover them in others. The ten items rotate among joining, splitting, choosing, completing, and spelling a compound from its definition, so success requires more than memorizing one format.

Support practice offers choices and leaves more letters on the page. Standard and challenge practice increasingly require children to hold both parts in order and write the whole compound without a space. Ask your child to say the first small word, pause, say the second, and then blend them as one larger word. The meaning clue should make sense for the combined result; if it does not, recheck the order of the parts.

What your child will learn

Join two words into one compound
Split a compound into meaningful parts
Keep compound parts in the correct order
Use meaning to check the combined spelling

Common Core standard: L.1.2.D

Worked example

Sun plus set makes sunset, the time when the sun appears to go down.

Common mistake

Writing the two correct parts in reverse order or leaving an unnecessary space.

Helpful hint

Say each small word, keep their order, then write them together.

Next skill: Endings -s, -ed, and -ing Earlier: Word Families

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with compound words?

Writing the two correct parts in reverse order or leaving an unnecessary space.

How can I help my child with compound words?

Say each small word, keep their order, then write them together.

Are these 1st grade spelling worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

Similar: Word Families

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Word studyWord Families6 printable versions

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