A POSTROPHES Aims: To understand that there are two reasons to use apostrophes To be aware of common mistakes and how not to use apostrophes

1. A POSTROPHES FOR POSSESSION / BELONGING. Apostrophes are used to show possession. Mrs Clarke’s computer – the computer belongs to Mrs Clarke and there is only one Mrs Clarke, so the apostrophe goes before the ‘s’. If the person’s name ends in ‘s’, put the apostrophe after the ‘s’ – you can’t split up their name! Mrs Thomas’ computer – the computer belongs to Mrs Thomas and there is only one Mrs Thomas.

M ORE POSSESSIVE APOSTROPHES ; Jack’s book – the book belongs to Jack. Ryan’s football boots – the boots belong to Ryan. Rebecca’s phone – the phone belongs to Rebecca.

W HEN THINGS BELONG TO MORE THAN ONE PERSON ; When more than one person is involved, the apostrophe comes after the ‘s’. The boys’ cloakroom – more than one boy. The players’ changing room – more than one player. The teachers’ staffroom – more than one teacher.

I TS AND IT ’ S So many people get this wrong! The apostrophe is only used to show the missing letter ‘i’ in ‘it is’. It’s sunny today. It’s very kind of you to give me your last sweet. “ It’s full of wonderful things,” exclaimed Howard Carter after discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb.

2. A POSTROPHES CAN BE USED TO SHOW MISSING LETTERS. I can not come to the party = I can’t come to the party. Can not becomes can’t. The apostrophe shows that there are letters missing, in this case ‘n’ and ‘o’.

M ORE EXAMPLES OF APOSTROPHES FOR CONTRACTION. Jack would not play with his baby brother. Jack wouldn’t play with his baby brother. Emma did not want to eat the unhealthy chocolate cake. Emma didn’t want to eat the unhealthy chocolate cake.

W HAT DO THESE WORDS BECOME WHEN YOU SHORTEN THEM ? have not they will shall not I have you are haven’t they’ll shan’t I’ve you’re

M AKE SURE THE APOSTROPHE IS IN THE CORRECT PLACE. Check these for accuracy; did’nt we’ll should’nt didn’t we’ll (correct) shouldn’t

W HERE SHOULD THE APOSTROPHE GO ? Janes shoes Nicks new car The cats whiskers (one cat) The horses stables (6 horses) The raiders boat (10 raiders) Jane’s shoes Nick’s new car The cat’s whiskers The horses’ stables The raiders’ boat

S OME COMMON ERRORS INVOLVING APOSTROPHES ; Can you spot them? Fish and chip’s The car’s were on the road. Half price clothe’s I saw a dog with it’s bone. Lucys book’s were on the table. Fish and chips The cars were on the road. Half price clothes I saw a dog with its bone. Lucy’s books were on the table.

Task: Write a paragraph about your favourite film or a film you have recently watched using apostrophes for possession and omission. Try and use some of the following words BUT using shortening them to show omission: It is you have did not I am I have you will they are you are e.g. My favourite film is Ironman. It’s absolutely amazing; you’ll love it! I’ve watched it so many times but I’ll probably watch it again on the weekend. Tony Stark’s iron suits help him to save the whole world. One day I’m going to be as cool as Ironman! Swap with a partner and highlight how many times they have used apostrophes accurately.

D ISCUSSION Why are apostrophes important in your writing? ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________