1. Apostrophes Or The little marks that do a lot

2.  Show a missing letter or letters (or numbers)  Show ownership or possession  Single letter or single number plurals* *This one is REALLY rare!

3.  Contractions ◦ Do not = Don’t (missing “O”) ◦ Will not = Won’t (missing “O”, and spelled differently) ◦ Can not = Can’t (missing “N” and “O”)  Letters (or numbers) Removed ◦ Up and at ‘em! (“Up and at them!”) ◦ Six O’Clock (Six “of the clock”) ◦ I was born in ‘68. (“1968”)

4.  Apostrophe GOES WITH THE OWNER or USER  Apostrophe always goes IMMEDIATELY AFTER the OWNER or USER  Add an “S” if there isn’t already one there (or an “S” sound, such as some “Z” words.)  NO APOSTROPHE FOR WORDS THAT ARE ALREADY POSSESSIVE (his, hers, its, etc.)

5.  The car that belongs to Jill (Jill’s car)  The house that belongs to James (James’ house)  The shop for women (women’s shop)  The playground used by children (children’s playground)  The picture that belongs to him (his picture)

6.  Saying more than one of a letter or a number  Remember that this is REALLY rare ◦ I got three A’s on my report card. ◦ The basketball team has two 4’s on the court.  You DON’T use this for MULTIPLE letters/numbers: ◦ The kindergartner knew her ABCs.

7.  Write out the following sentences, using apostrophes correctly. ◦ I went to the shop to see (the dog that belongs to Mr. Hooper). ◦ We (should not) open our presents early. ◦ Look at all the animals here! ◦ I left my bag in the girls locker room. ◦ I want more but I cant have more.

8. ◦ I went to the shop to see Mr. Hooper’s dog ◦ We shouldn’t open our presents early. ◦ Look at all the animals here! (no change) ◦ I left my bag in the girls’ locker room. ◦ I want more but I can’t have more.