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Compound word accuracy, Snowball Fight!

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Activity Type: Build Accuracy
Activity Form: Game
Grade: 1, 2
Group Size: Whole Class
Length: 10 minutes
Materials: Image:Compound Word List.doc, blank copy paper
Goal: Given half of a printed compound word, the student can read that word, identify the other half of the word, and say the entire word (air -> “plane”-> “airplane”).
Items: All compound words learned so far

What to do

  1. Divide students into partners and pass out one piece of white paper to each student.
  2. Today we are going to play a very fun game! I am not going to tell you the name of this game until later. First you have to follow my directions.
  3. Together with your partner, I want you to think of one compound word. Once you have your word, I want you to each write half of it on your paper.
  4. For example, let’s say that Suzy and Johnny think of the word airplane. Suzy should write “air” on her paper, and Johnny should write “plane” on his paper. Does anyone have any questions? Give students a few minutes to write their words.
  5. Okay, I am still not ready to tell you the name of the game. Keep following my directions.
  6. If you have the FIRST half of the word on your paper, bring your paper and come stand at the front of room. Make a line. Good. If you have the SECOND half of the word, bring your paper and come stand right here. Position children so that they are about 10 feet apart, in two lines, facing each other.
  7. Okay, are you ready to hear the name of this game? Snowball Fight!
  8. When I yell snowball fight, I want you to crumple up your paper and throw it like you are having a snowball fight. Ready?
  9. Snowball fight!
  10. Now, go and pick up a snowball from the ground. Find the person who has the other half of your word that you find, and stand together.
  11. Once partners have all found each other, go through the room and have each pair read their word out loud to the class.
  12. Repeat the same exercise several times, giving students a chance to read several different compound words.
  13. Observe students play the game. For students who struggle, give them help and make a note in an Activity Log.


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