Compound Construction

Hi Friends!  I'm looking forward to returning from Spring Break with my Compound Construction Crew.  To prepare for this mini flip, I have purchased a few goodies, but the materials needed for this themed activity can be simply printed from my newest unit. Click the graphic below to link to my file.

For added excitement, I ordered a few props to enhance the flip.  Each year, I buy props for one new flip.  I often times use the materials for multiple lessons in a year. This helps me build a collection of materials that can be recycled for different activities.

This year I bought orange construction vests from Consumer Crafts. I also purchased another of the Antsy Pants collection tents.  I already have a train, fire truck, bus, pirate ship, and market shop in their collection.  There are several ways to purchase the collection.  You can buy the poles separately and then purchased the slip covers or you can buy the kit.  For mine, I have a few kits and the poles where I can buy the slip covers, saving money. Ansty Pants is sold at Target, Amazon, or their direct website.

Working in a title one setting, many of my kids have very little previous knowledge.  For morning work, I will have my kids come into the classroom and investigate tools and vehicles used in construction.  This is simply explore time for less than 15 minutes.  I have the materials set up on rotation for four days to accommodate my four groups.  I will update the post with images after we complete the lessons!

I like to start new skills by introducing them with a BrainpopJr Video.  They're usually between 4-5 minutes and helps give a little background on Compound Words.  I pay less than $10 a month for one home subscription to share the videos in class during my mini lessons.  

Following the video, the kids will use their prior knowledge for individual words to help predict the meaning of a compound word.  I have four examples to chart.  Before revealing the sentence, I want to allow time for the kids to turn and talk about the words and their meanings. You can record a sentence the kids develop or glue the one provided.  Repeat with each compound given. To follow up, students can work in pairs or groups to explain four additional compound words as a work time activity. This can be glued to the chart or independently recorded on their own reproducible page.

The following day, I will begin my mini lesson having the kids explain to me what they know about compound words.  This is a time where I generate misconceptions and understandings.  During my lesson, we will construct a second anchor chart with word parts written versus the visuals in yesterday's chart.  The word parts are separated on different sides of a tool belt to help identify each word separately.  The kids will determine the compound word and hunt for the matching saw that has the image of the compound word.

For a follow up activity, I prepare puzzles for the kids to work on.  Depending on the level of the child, this activity can be completed in different ways.  First, the kids can play as a game of concentration or simply matching puzzle parts.  I've provided a two page reference pages with the images of the compound words students are looking for.  For more of a challenge, the kids can be given the charts after they found the words.  If students are struggling to read the frameparts, lay the charts out for additional assistance.

If you wish, you can also cut out the chart and scatter all the puzzle pieces and image. Have the kids find all three parts for a match.  

Since I don't have a closing, I provided several journal pages for the kids to record the compound word for independent practice.  

After my class has had a few solid days of lessons practicing the skill of compound words, I will do a mini flip of my room.  I use the above mentioned props and a few from my unit for our compound construction day.  Each child will receive a hard hat and tool belt.

In their tool belt, I have prepped pipe parts for the kids to build a compound word.  I have given each child several matches and a few pieces that will not create a compound word.  They have a Compound Construction Manual with three drafts of the Blueprint Designs. Students will construct their compound parts and glue to the pipe template. Then they will record the compound word and engineer a sentence using the word.  I provided two different versions depending on the level of your student.

For more of a challenge, I took away the visual and provided tools for a plus sign.  This forces the kids to determine the compound word parts by constructing words based of their previous knowledge.

While the construction is taking place in classroom, I will set the mood with construction noises.  I linked the hour long video in my unit. 

Teachers, I hope you have a magnificent time with constructing compound words.  If you love this unit, you may wish to check out contraction surgery.  It will generate as much excitement as the construction theme.  Click the image below to link over and read my post!

Here's a video of the action live from our OR!

Happy Teaching!