Summary

Begin by recapping the use of the apostrophe to signal missing letters and explain that this lesson will look at another way of using the apostrophe. Work through the activities with the class as they appear on screen. Discussion and collaboration are crucial, so choosing individuals or groups to operate the activity and justify their choices will enhance learning. The use of the apostrophe for possession is complex so the activities should be worked through as a class with guidance from the teacher. The activities can then be used individually for reinforcement and may be completed in pairs or small groups as follow-up work.

In activity 1, the use of the apostrophe to show singular and plural ownership is explored. Draw pupils' attention to the positioning of the apostrophe within each word. Where is the apostrophe when the word is singular? Is it in the same position when the word is plural? Some irregular plurals are included in this introduction and these will need to be discussed in detail.

Suitable for

Year 4/5

Using a non-interactive whiteboard

The activities can be used in the same way and controlled from the desktop computer.

Prior learning required

Of the two, the use of the apostrophe for contraction is the most straight forward. Pupils should have a sound grasp of its use in this context before moving on to the apostrophe of possession.

Aims and objectives

  • to identify possessive apostrophes in text and to whom or what they refer
  • to understand the basic rules for apostrophising singular and plural nouns
  • to distinguish between uses of the apostrophe for contraction and possession
  • to use the apostrophe accurately to mark possession

Timings

  • Activity 1 (15 minutes)
    This is a whole class introductory session. It examines the basic rules for apostrophising singular, plural and irregular nouns. The task is simple, but the quality of discussion will be crucial in ensuring depth of understanding.
  • Activity 2 (10 minutes)
    Identifying the apostrophes that signal plural ownership. Look at each example in detail. The position of the apostrophe may be used as a clue in some cases, but irregular plurals are included so pupils will need to consider whether there is more than one owner.
  • Activity 3 (10 minutes)
    Each sentence is accompanied by a clue as to whether the noun is singular or plural. Two alternatives are provided for each sentence and the positioning of the apostrophe will be a vital clue in making a selection.
  • Activity 4 (10 minutes)
    The use of the apostrophe for contraction is revised here and pupils are encouraged to make a distinction between this use and the apostrophe to signal ownership.

Suggestions for group activities

  • Having worked through the activities as a class, groups of pupils can use the activities independently for follow-up work.
  • If an internet link is available, the Grammar for Writing site www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/marks/apostrophe.htm provides a brief PowerPoint presentation on the uses of the apostrophe.
  • An apostrophe search can be undertaken using books from the class library. Words can be sorted into two sets: "Apostrophes for possession" and "Apostrophes for contraction".
  • A variety of worksheets focusing on possessive nouns are available online. These could be completed individually or might be printed for use offline. Suggested sites include www.rhlschool.com/eng2n12.htm and literacy.kent.edu/Midwest/Materials/ndakota/spelling/exercise5.html

Suggestions for differentiation

  • Part 1 is the most straight forward of the activities and is suitable for less able pupils. Part 2 may be used to extend more able pupils. The remaining activities are suitable for all ability levels following whole class input from the teacher.
  • Less able pupils may need support when doing the activities. If an internet connection is available the Quia site offers a series of interactive games focusing on contractions, which can be set to differing ability levels. Pupils can work with as few as four words or as many as 30. www.quia.com/jg/66105.html

Other useful sites include:

  • www.apostrophe.fsnet.co.uk/index.htm - The Apostrophe Protection Society, which aims to preserve the correct use of this much-abused punctuation mark!

Curriculum links

Language

Oracy
1.1, 1.4 share ideas and opinions, make reasoned comments
3.3, 3.6 extend and enrich vocabulary and use an increasingly varied vocabulary

Reading
2.1 develop grammatical knowledge, word recognition and contextual understanding
2.6 use ICT resources

Writing
5.0 to use punctuation marks correctly in their writing, including full stops, question and exclamation marks, commas, inverted commas and apostrophes to mark possession and shortened forms of words.

ICT

Use ICT to generate, organise and communicate ideas.

© NGfL / GCaD Cymru