Success TutoringWorksheets
Spelling List3rd GradeLevel 1 · Easier

Free 3rd Grade Spelling List 4: Compound Words

Twelve compound words made by joining two smaller words, such as cowboy, sunflower and backpack. Your child learns to spell each part on its own, then practices with writing, gap-fill sentences, unscrambling and a parent-read test.

Instant download · No sign-up · Free for personal, classroom and homeschool use

Grade
3rd Grade
Subject
English
Topic
Spelling Lists
Difficulty
Level 1 · Easier
Estimated time
15 minutes
Curriculum
Texas grade levels (TEKS)
Questions
48
Answers
Included, with working
Format
PDF (A4), print or complete online

Students will practice

  • spotting the two smaller words inside a compound word
  • spelling compound words as one word with no space
  • using compound words in sentences
  • writing words from dictation

Curriculum: Texas grade levels (TEKS). We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.

What's next?

Completed: Spelling List 4: Compound Words

  1. 1Spelling List 5: Comparing with -er and -est
  2. 23rd Grade Suffixes: -ful, -less, -ly, -ness, -ment Worksheet — Level 1
  3. 33rd Grade Suffixes: -ful, -less, -ly, -ness, -ment Worksheet — Level 2
  4. 43rd Grade Suffixes: -ful, -less, -ly, -ness, -ment Worksheet — Level 3
Harder: Level 2 · Standard →

How to use this spelling list

  1. Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
  2. Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
  3. Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
  4. Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.

Common questions

Who is this spelling list for?

3rd Grade students (typically ages 8–9) working on spelling lists. It is pitched at level 1 · easier; a harder version is linked above.

Are the answers included?

Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.

How long does it take?

About 15 minutes for 48 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.

Do I need to sign up to download?

No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.

What should we do next?

Try Spelling List 5: Comparing with -er and -est.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheets3rd Grade · English · Spelling Lists

Spelling List 4: Compound Words

Name

Date

Score /

Work through the four parts in order. Say each word out loud as you write it.

Part A: Your words

A compound word is two smaller words joined together to make a new word: cow + boy = cowboy, sun + flower = sunflower. Find the two words inside each one and spell each part. Write the whole word with no space in the middle. Write each word three times.

1.Write the word three times: cowboy (answer space)
2.Write the word three times: sunflower (answer space)
3.Write the word three times: football (answer space)
4.Write the word three times: rainbow (answer space)
5.Write the word three times: backpack (answer space)
6.Write the word three times: playground (answer space)
7.Write the word three times: bedroom (answer space)
8.Write the word three times: cupcake (answer space)
9.Write the word three times: grasshopper (answer space)
10.Write the word three times: homework (answer space)
11.Write the word three times: sometimes (answer space)
12.Write the word three times: airplane (answer space)
Free worksheets at worksheets.successtutoring.com · © Success Tutoring · Free for personal and classroom use

Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.

More 3rd Grade spelling lists resources

  • Spelling List

    Spelling List 2: Prefixes un-, re- and dis-

    Twelve words built with the prefixes un- (not), re- (again) and dis- (not or opposite). Your child learns that the base word keeps its…

    Difficulty
    Level 2 · Standard
    Time
    15 min
    Questions
    48 questions
    Answers
    Answers included
  • Spelling List

    Spelling List 3: Changing y to i

    Twelve words that follow the "change y to i" rule: baby becomes babies, cry becomes cried, happy becomes happily. Your child learns when…

    Difficulty
    Level 2 · Standard
    Time
    15 min
    Questions
    48 questions
    Answers
    Answers included
  • Spelling List

    Spelling List 5: Comparing with -er and -est

    Twelve comparing words made with -er and -est, such as taller, biggest and nicest. Your child learns when to just add the ending, when to…

    Difficulty
    Level 2 · Standard
    Time
    15 min
    Questions
    48 questions
    Answers
    Answers included

Spelling Lists in other year levels

Was this resource helpful?

About this resource

Created by
Success Tutoring
Last reviewed
1 October 2026
How it was made
Written by our team

Free to print and share for personal, classroom and homeschool use. Please don't resell. Spotted an error? Let us know.