Elementary
Language ArtsFile Folder GamesPrintablesWinter
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.
Learning compound words can be tricky for some kids.
They may be able to read the smaller words within those compound words, but breaking them apart to do so poses a problem for them.
Fortunately, you can help your child learn to either build or break apart various compound words with a little bit of practice and this snowman building F is the perfect place to start!
Whether you have real snow on the ground outside or not, this game gives you a fun, winter-themed way to practice building some basic compound words without having to deal with cold, frosty fingers!
Assembling the Snowman Compound Word Game
To build this compound word file folder game yourself, you’ll need to gather up a few supplies.
You’ll need:
- A manila file folder
- Clear contact paper
- Scissors
- Laminator (optional, but highly recommended)
- Velcro dots
- The snowman compound word printable (below)
First things first, you’ll want to start by cutting out all of the snowman pieces.
Now, you’ll notice that this game includes two different sets of heads for your snowmen. The first set includes a picture and the second includes the actual compound word written out. Choose the one that you think will work best for your children and use a little bit of clear contact paper to attach them to the inside of your folder.
Next, run the bottom two pieces of each snowman through your laminator and stick a Velcro dot on the back of each one.
Note: You’ll want to use the same side of the Velcro, either hook or loop, on all of the snowman pieces. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, just use the same one for all of these pieces.
Finally, use some more clear contact paper to attach the cover of your game to the front of your folder and attach the opposite Velcro dots to the inside of the folder underneath each of the snowman heads.
Using the Snowman Compound Word Game
When the game is all put together and you have talked with your children about compound words, give them the snowman compound word file folder game and show them that each of the snowmen’s hats has either a picture or a word on them.
Have them either name the item in the picture or read the compound word and help them practice breaking this word apart to find the smaller, single words that comprise it.
The first half of the compound word will make up the middle section of the snowman and the final half will make up the bottom portion.
When they’ve got the word broken down, have them search through their snowman pieces to find the ones that will build that particular snowman.
When you’re all done, see what other compound words they can think of and have them try to break those down as well.
