📖

Using Contractions in Writing

Contractions: Shortened Words

Day 150of 180
Week 30of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Write sentences using contractions correctly

2

Understand how apostrophes create shortened words

3

Practice using contractions in context

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.”

— Proverbs 15:1 (WEB)

We can use kind words (including shortened, friendly contractions) to communicate lovingly

📦 Materials Needed

  • Pencils
  • Writing paper
  • Colorful stickers
  • Contraction reference chart
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and review previous contraction lessons. Show contraction reference chart.

💭 Review Question: Can you tell me what a contraction is?
2Teaching (8 min)

Contractions help us write and speak more quickly by combining two words. The apostrophe shows where letters are removed.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Contractions make our writing friendlier
  • Apostrophes are like little helpers in words
  • We can use contractions in stories and conversations
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What contractions do you use when talking to friends?
  • Can you think of a contraction that makes speaking easier?
3Activity: Jesus Loves Me Story with Contractions (8 min)
project

Students will write a short story about God's love using at least 5 different contractions.

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a picture of something that shows God's love
  2. Write a 3-4 sentence story using contractions
  3. Circle each contraction with a colorful sticker
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use a word bank of contractions

Challenge: Include dialogue with contractions

4Closing (4 min)

Share stories and celebrate using contractions correctly

📝 Review Questions:
  • What does an apostrophe do in a contraction?
  • Can you name two contractions you used today?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving us wonderful words to express Your love. Help us communicate kindly.

Coming up: Next week, we'll explore more fun ways to use language!

💎 Memory Verse

Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.”

— Proverbs 15:1 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Hand motions: Gentle wave (gentle answer), then cross arms (harsh words)

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

First graders are learning how words can be shortened while maintaining meaning

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage playful exploration of language
  • Model using contractions in conversation
  • Be patient with apostrophe placement
🤔 Common Struggles:

Remembering where to place the apostrophe

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Consistent use of apostrophes, understanding of word combination

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a contraction scavenger hunt in books
  • Play a contraction matching game
  • Make a poster showing different contractions

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 151 →Back to Language Arts