Day 1: What Is a Contraction?

Objective

Jillian will explain that a contraction combines two words into one shorter word and identify the apostrophe.

Introduction: The Word-Saving Mystery

Ask: “What if two words wanted to become a little shorter but keep the same meaning?” Write do not on paper. Fold the two words together and reveal don’t.

Explain: “A contraction is a shorter way to write two words. The apostrophe shows that some letters are missing.”

Tell Jillian: “Today we will learn what contractions are, find the missing letters, and make our own contractions.”

Lesson: I Do

Model these examples:

• can + not = can’t — the apostrophe takes the place of no.
• is + not = isn’t — the apostrophe takes the place of o.
• we + are = we’re — the apostrophe takes the place of a.

Point to the apostrophe and say, “The apostrophe is like a tiny sign that says, ‘Letters are missing here!’”

We Do: Contraction Detective

Write these pairs on cards: do not, I am, she is, they are, cannot. Work together to turn each pair into a contraction. For each one, ask:

1. What are the two original words?
2. Which letters disappear?
3. Where should the apostrophe go?

You Do: Make and Match

Jillian writes the two-word phrases on one set of cards and the contractions on another set. Mix them up and match the pairs. She may decorate each matching pair with the same color.

Quick Check for Understanding

Ask Jillian to complete these:

1. he is = ______
2. we are = ______
3. In can’t, what does the apostrophe show?

Expected answers: he’s, we’re, and letters are missing.

Support and Extension

• Support: Use letter tiles so Jillian can physically remove the missing letters and insert an apostrophe.
• Extension: Jillian finds three contractions in a book and writes the original two words beside each one.

Day 2: Contractions with “Not”

Objective

Jillian will form and read common contractions made with not, including isn’t, aren’t, don’t, doesn’t, can’t, couldn’t, and won’t.

Introduction: The Opposite Button

Say: “The word not can make a sentence negative. Today we will make ‘not’ words shorter.” Act out these sentences:

• “I am walking.” / “I am not walking.”
• “I can jump.” / “I cannot jump.”

Explain that contractions often make speaking and writing sound more natural.

Lesson: I Do

Model how to combine each pair:

• is not → isn’t
• are not → aren’t
• do not → don’t
• does not → doesn’t
• cannot → can’t
• could not → couldn’t
• will not → won’t

Point out the special spelling of won’t. Say: “Most contractions are easy to guess, but won’t is a special word we remember.”

We Do: Sentence Switch

Read each sentence together. Jillian changes the underlined words into a contraction.

1. The dog is not sleepy.
2. We do not need umbrellas.
3. Jillian cannot find her pencil.
4. They will not be late.

You Do: Contraction Charades

Jillian chooses a contraction card and acts out a sentence using it. For example, for can’t, she might pretend she cannot open a jar. A partner guesses the contraction and says the two original words.

Quick Check for Understanding

Jillian writes the contraction for each phrase:

1. are not = ______
2. does not = ______
3. will not = ______
4. Use couldn’t in a sentence.

Support and Extension

• Support: Provide a word bank with the contractions and let Jillian match before writing.
• Extension: Jillian writes a two-line conversation using at least four “not” contractions.

Day 3: Pronoun Contractions

Objective

Jillian will combine pronouns and helping verbs to form and use contractions such as I’m, you’re, he’s, she’s, it’s, we’re, and they’re.

Introduction: The Speedy Sentence Challenge

Say these sentences slowly: “I am ready. You are clever. She is smiling.” Then say them naturally: “I’m ready. You’re clever. She’s smiling.” Ask: “Which sentences are faster and easier to say?”

Explain that contractions can help writing sound friendly and natural.

Lesson: I Do

Model these contractions:

• I am → I’m
• you are → you’re
• he is → he’s
• she is → she’s
• it is → it’s
• we are → we’re
• they are → they’re

Explain: “The apostrophe shows where letters from the second word were left out.”

Also explain the difference between it’s and its: it’s means it is; its shows that something belongs to it.

We Do: Picture Sentence Talk

Use an object, toy, or imaginary scene. Together, make sentences such as:

• “It’s a red ball.”
• “We’re playing a game.”
• “They’re having fun.”
• “You’re holding the pencil.”

Have Jillian point to the person or thing each contraction describes.

You Do: Contraction Comic

Jillian creates a three-box comic. Each box must include one speech bubble with a pronoun contraction. She may choose the characters, setting, and topic.

Quick Check for Understanding

Jillian chooses the correct word and explains her choice:

1. (It’s / Its) raining outside.
2. (They’re / Their) building a fort.
3. (We’re / Were) ready to begin.

Expected answers: It’s, They’re, We’re.

Support and Extension

• Support: Use a chart showing each pronoun beside its matching contraction.
• Extension: Jillian writes two sentences showing the difference between it’s and its.

Day 4: Reading, Editing, and Choosing Contractions

Objective

Jillian will identify contractions in reading and edit sentences by choosing the correct contraction or two-word form.

Introduction: The Contraction Choice

Explain: “Writers choose words that fit their purpose. Contractions are common in talking, friendly notes, stories, and conversations. Sometimes writers use the longer two-word form to sound more formal or serious.”

Read these examples aloud:

• Friendly note: “I’m happy you’re here!”
• More formal sentence: “I am pleased to welcome you.”

Lesson: I Do

Model how to edit a sentence:

Original: We are not going to be late.

Edited: We aren’t going to be late.

Think aloud: “The sentence sounds natural with a contraction. I combine we are not, remove the missing letters, and add the apostrophe.”

We Do: Contraction Hunt

Read this short passage together:

“I’m going to the park,” said Maya. “You’re coming with me, aren’t you?”
“Yes! I can’t wait,” said Jillian. “We’re going to have fun!”

Jillian circles every contraction, then tells the two original words for each one.

You Do: Edit the Silly Note

Jillian rewrites the note by correcting the contractions and apostrophes:

“Im glad youre here. We cant play outside because it isnt sunny. But thats okay!”

Then she writes her own short note to a friend using at least five contractions.

Quick Check for Understanding

Jillian corrects these sentences:

1. Theyre going to the store.
2. I dont know the answer.
3. Its time to eat.

Expected answers: They’re, don’t, It’s.

Support and Extension

• Support: Read each sentence aloud and provide an apostrophe card that Jillian can place where it belongs.
• Extension: Jillian rewrites one paragraph twice: once with contractions for a friendly tone and once without contractions for a more formal tone.

Day 5: Contraction Celebration and Final Challenge

Objective

Jillian will demonstrate that she can identify, spell, and use contractions correctly in original writing.

Introduction: The Contraction Mission

Tell Jillian: “You have learned how to spot contractions, build them, read them, and use them. Today you will complete a contraction mission!” Review that a contraction is two words made shorter with an apostrophe.

Lesson: I Do

Model the three-step strategy:

1. Find the two words. Example: she is.
2. Remove the letters that disappear. she’s.
3. Add the apostrophe. The apostrophe shows where the letters are missing.

We Do: Contraction Game Show

Ask Jillian questions one at a time. She earns one point for each correct answer.

1. What two words make we’re?
2. What contraction means do not?
3. Fix this word: cant.
4. Use they’re in a sentence.
5. What is special about won’t?
6. What is the difference between it’s and its?

You Do: Final Creative Project

Jillian chooses one project:

• Write a funny story of 6–8 sentences using at least 8 contractions.
• Create a comic strip with at least 6 contractions in speech bubbles.
• Write a friendly letter using at least 8 contractions.
• Record or perform a short conversation using at least 8 contractions.

Before finishing, Jillian checks her work:

• I used at least 8 contractions.
• Each contraction has the correct apostrophe.
• I can name the two words behind each contraction.
• My sentences begin with capital letters and end with punctuation.
• My writing makes sense.

Quick Check for Understanding and Summative Assessment

Give Jillian this short final check:

1. Write a contraction for she is.
2. Write the two words that make aren’t.
3. Correct this sentence: I’m not sure if its ready.
4. Write an original sentence using won’t.
5. Explain what an apostrophe does in a contraction.

Feedback and Reflection

Review Jillian’s answers and creative project. Give specific feedback, such as: “You placed the apostrophes correctly in all eight contractions,” or “Next time, check whether its means ownership or whether it’s means it is.”

Ask Jillian to complete these reflection sentences:

• “A contraction is ______.”
• “The contraction I use most is ______.”
• “One thing I can do now is ______.”

Differentiation

• Support: Let Jillian use her contraction chart, say answers aloud before writing, and complete fewer sentences with careful accuracy.
• Extension: Jillian sorts contractions into groups, such as contractions with not, contractions with pronouns, and unusual contractions such as won’t.