Apostrophes for contraction and singular possession
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can show how an apostrophe works for contraction and for singular possession.
Key learning points
- An apostrophe is an important piece of punctuation with more than one purpose.
- An apostrophe can contract two words together.
- An apostrophe can show if a noun belongs to another singular noun.
- Apostrophes for contraction and singular possession are useful in writing for different reasons.
- Apostrophes are most deeply understood when word class is understood.
Keywords
Apostrophe for contraction - a punctuation mark used to contract two words together
Apostrophe for possession (s) - a punctuation mark used to show if a noun belongs to another singular noun
Word class - different types of words that are used to form sentences
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to remember where to place the apostrophe when contacting some 'not' words.
All 'not' words lose the letter 'o' between 'n' and 't'. Check that pupils are not putting the apostrophe before the 'nt e.g. don't/do'nt.
Teacher tip
For contraction, try saying each word whilst gesturing the word as if it is placed on each of your hands, then clap or push the words together. For possession, try using the grabbing gesture as you say the possessive phrase to show the possession.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Complete the following sentence. A noun is a __________ word.
Q2.Identify the words that contain apostrophes.
Q3.Match the word to the correct word class.
noun
adverb
verb
adjective
Q4.Which of these nouns are singular?
Q5.The word ‘possession’ means…
Q6.Match the contracted form to the full form.
I am
we are
do not
she is
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Select the singular nouns.
Q2.Which piece of punctuation is found in the word don’t?
Q3.Match the two different purposes of an apostrophe to their function.
used to show if a noun belongs to another singular noun
used to contract two words together
Q4.Which sentence below uses an apostrophe for contraction correctly?
Q5.Identify the example where the apostrophe for possession is in the right place.
Q6.Match the type of apostrophe to the sentence it appears in.
Jack’s golden bean grew into a beanstalk.
Jack couldn’t believe his eyes.
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Apostrophes for contraction and singular possession, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Apostrophes for contraction and singular possession, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 English lessons from the Apostrophes unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.