Read a compound in three passes
Split
Identify the two complete words.
Predict
Use both parts to predict a possible whole meaning.
Verify
Compare the prediction with established usage and spelling.
Worked example: sunlight
SUN plus LIGHT forms SUNLIGHT, meaning light from the sun. Both parts contribute directly. In a compound such as BUTTERFLY, however, the modern meaning cannot be calculated by combining ordinary definitions of BUTTER and FLY.
Sort compounds by relationship
Choose several compounds with the same base and label how the second part changes the idea: object, place, material, action, or quality. Explain the whole meaning before checking the stored note. This prevents the exercise from becoming a spelling-only match.