📖 Reading & talking · Ages 6–7 · about 4 weeks

Building Longer Words

Goal: Build and read longer words from sounds and parts: g-r-ow-l, b-or-n, m-or-n-ing, and compound words like rain + bow.

For parents: Class 1 books ask children to put sounds and word parts together on paper. Show the parts with a plus sign so your child sees the word being built.

Do together

  1. Word sums

    You need: Paper, pencil

    Write sums of sounds: s + t + or + m = ? f + l + ow + er = ? Your child reads each part, then the whole word, and writes the answer.

  2. Compound word pairs

    You need: Cards: rain, bow, drop, sun, flower, foot, ball, tooth, brush

    Join two cards to make a new word: rainbow, sunflower, football, toothbrush. Draw a picture of each.

  3. Syllable split

    You need: Longer word cards (garden, morning, rocket, sandwich)

    Clap each word, then cut the card between the syllables. Read each part, then join them and read the word.

Talk about it

  • Which two words make 'raindrop'?
  • How many syllables are in 'morning'?
  • Can you make a new compound word?

Words to use

  • syllable
  • compound word
  • blend
  • sound

Play

  • Word Builder
    Syllables & word building
  • Sound Hunt
    Phonics
  • Rhyme Time
    Rhyming
Play these games free

Every game is free for every family until 20 November 2026.

Your child can…

Ticks are saved on this device only. Move on when most are ticked.