In our everyday speech we use contractions. Contractions are a kind of “short cut” in the way we use words to communicate. Think about it for a bit. If you were going to tell a friend that you aren’t going to lunch, are you likely to say, “I am not going to lunch” or “I’m not going to lunch”? Because we use these words so often in our speech, it’s important that we teach students how to use the words in writing. Teaching contractions can be fun and there are tons of great activities to use to support this concept.
When introducing the idea of contractions, it’s helpful to begin by defining the word “contract”. “Contract” means to get smaller or shorter. So, when we are using a contraction, we are making the words “shorter”. A simple way to explain it is to say that a contraction is “a shorter way to say two words.” Oh, and that apostrophe– it fills the space of those missing letters.
Just click the following link to download this freebie Contractions Poster
Here are a few of my favorite activities for learning and practicing contractions. The Cupcake Contractions activity contains 43 cupcake contractions. The contraction cupcake matching activity is a fun introductory activity for contractions and is ideal for independent centers.
It’s important to transfer the skill right away into writing. This activity also contains 43 cupcakes where the students are to write the correct contraction for the words below. Just laminate the cupcakes and use over and over again.
The Make, Take & Teach Cupcake Contractions activity is available in my online Teachers Pay Teachers store.
The File Folder Phonics Bundle also includes several activities for learning and practicing contractions. Here’s an example of the matching activity and there is also an extension activity for writing.
The Make, Take & Teach File Folder Phonics for Contractions is also available in my online Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Books are also great for introducing a concept. Here are two great books that you may wish to check out.
I’m and Won’t, They’re and Don’t: What’s a Contraction?
You can also find If You Were a Contraction
