Mastering Possessive Apostrophes and Contractions

• Citizenship
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify and use possessive apostrophes with plural and singular nouns and contractions.

Introduce the learning objective and explain that possessive apostrophes and contractions are important for clear and effective communication.

Singular Possessive Apostrophes

To show possession of a singular noun, add an apostrophe and an 's'. Example: The cat's tail.

Explain how to use singular possessive apostrophes and provide examples. Encourage students to practice writing their own examples.

Plural Possessive Apostrophes

To show possession of a plural noun, add an apostrophe after the 's'. 

Example: The dogs' collars.

Explain how to use plural possessive apostrophes and provide examples. Encourage students to practice writing their own examples.

Contractions

A contraction is a shortened form of two words with an apostrophe replacing the missing letters. 

Example: They're going to the park.

Explain what contractions are and provide examples. Encourage students to practice writing their own contractions and identifying the two words that make up the contraction.

Interactive Practice

Identify whether the following sentence uses a possessive apostrophe or a contraction: 

The teacher's lesson plan is ready to go.

Use this slide as an opportunity to engage students in interactive practice. Ask them to identify whether the given sentence uses a possessive apostrophe or a contraction. Provide immediate feedback and encourage students to ask questions.

Which of the following is a contraction for 'will not'?

1. willnot
2. will'nt
3. willn't
4. won't

What is the correct possessive apostrophe for the word 'children'?

1. childrens'
2. child's
3. children's
4. childer's

What is the contraction for 'they have'?

1. theyve
2. they've
3. theyhave
4. they'v

Which of the following is a contraction for 'I am'?

1. Im
2. Am
3. Iam
4. I'm

What is the correct possessive apostrophe for the word 'dog'?

1. dogs
2. dogs'
3. doges
4. dog's

Which sentence shows the correct use of a plural possessive apostrophe?

1. The student backpack's were left in the classroom.
2. The students backpacks were left in the classroom.
3. The student's backpacks were left in the classroom.
4. The students' backpacks were left in the classroom.

What is the correct plural possessive form of 'child'?

1. Child's
2. Childs'
3. Childrens'
4. Children's

Which sentence shows the correct use of a singular possessive apostrophe?

1. The dogs tail's were wagging.
2. The dogs' tails were wagging.
3. The dog's tail was wagging.
4. The dog tail's was wagging.