Apostrophes for contraction and singular possession review
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 - a punctuation mark that can be used to show if a noun belongs to another singular noun
Singular - only one
Common misconception
All words that end in -s need an apostrophe before the -s.
An apostrophe before the 's' is only used for indicating possession in singular nouns, not for all words ending in 's'.
Teacher tip
Mastering apostrophes for possession takes longer than apostrophes for contraction. 'Clap to Contract' and 'Grab to Possess' gestures help if you are consistent with both of them. For contraction, put a word on each hand and clap together; for possession, pull the noun that belongs to your chest.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which punctuation mark is an apostrophe?
Q2.What is a contraction in English?
Q3.Where would you see an apostrophe in a word?
Q4.True or false? Using contractions makes writing more formal.
Q5.What does it mean if you possess something?
Q6.In the following sentence, what belongs to Jun? 'Jun's football that he kicked on the pitch was red and white.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Fill in the blank: If you possess something, you __________ it.
Q2.What belongs to Aisha in the following sentence? 'The class played with Aisha's stickers at playtime.'
Q3.What belongs to Lucas in the following sentence? 'Lucas' pencil case went missing yesterday and Mr Clarke has helped him search the classroom.'
Q4.Why is there no s after the apostrophe in the following sentence? 'Ms Jones' dress was blue with white dots.'
Q5.Is the apostrophe signalling contraction or possession in the following sentence? 'We won't have time for a film today.'
Q6.Is the apostrophe signalling contraction or possession in the following sentence? 'Izzy's sister is coming to school today.'
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Apostrophes for contraction and singular possession review, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Apostrophes for contraction and singular possession review, 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 2 English lessons from the Speech first punctuation and apostrophes unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.