Grades K–2 · Language
How can two words make one larger word?
Some larger words join two smaller whole words. These are compound words. Each smaller word has a meaning of its own, and the larger word has a meaning too.
In the diagramTwo whole words make one compoundBoth smaller words have meanings.sunflower+sunflowerEach part works as a word on its own.a kind of flower
Sun and flower join in sunflower, the name of a kind of flower. Rain and coat join in raincoat, a coat for rain. Tooth and brush join in toothbrush, a brush for teeth.
The parts help explain these selected words. They do not mean that any two words can be joined, or that every long word has two whole words inside it.
About this explanation
Starting knowledge: Understand familiar words such as sun, flower, rain and coat through read-aloud and pictures.
Sources
- Common Core State Standards Initiative — English Language Arts Standards: Language, Grade 2 (L.2.4.d)