Possessives

Possessive Nouns Instructional Video

Possessives Song Video
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Printable Lyrics

Using an apostrophe for possessive nouns is a skill that takes practice.  The GrammarSong video “Possessives” demonstrates apostrophe usage in a simplified and direct way using common singular and plural nouns that follow typical grammar rules.  The multi-leveled activities take the skill into more advanced levels for practice and instruction.

Review Video & Follow These Instructional Guidelines

Third Grade

• Discuss the difference in apostrophe usage between contractions and possessives.  Complete grammar sheet “Understanding Possessive Nouns” and “More Understanding Possessive Nouns."

1. Extra Engagement: Use the information presented within the sheet to model sentences on a white board or smart board to create a whole class lesson.  Cut the sheet apart, gluing the related answers from the answer key on the back to use within a cooperative learning structure or as a self-checking center activity. 

Fourth Grade

• Review GrammarSong videos “Beware of Contractions” and “Possessives.” Differentiate apostrophe usage between contractions and possessives. Complete grammar sheets “Contraction or Possessive?” and “Contraction Versus Possessive.”  

1. Extra Engagement:  Use the information presented in the grammar sheets within a cooperative learning structure or as a whole class lesson on the whiteboard or smartboard.  Cut apart the sentences, and paste the answer key back-to-back to create a self-checking learning center or partner activity.  
2. Even More Engagement:  Print out and play “Hands-On Contractions or Possessives” in small groups, as a center, or with partners. For an added bonus, use the self-checking game cards with a simple game board and die for an instant learning game.  

• Emphasize the apostrophes are NEVER used simply to create a plural noun.  Complete grammar sheet “Evaluating Apostrophe Usage” as in independent  formative assessment.  
• Notice and discuss apostrophe usage when reading in real literature or in textbooks (within any subject area).   When students see apostrophes when reading, encourage them to note whether the apostrophe is being used because of a contraction or because of a possessive.

Fifth Grade

• Complete grammar sheets “Using Apostrophes,” “Evaluating Apostrophe Usage,” “Apostrophe Editing Review,”  and “Correct Apostrophe Usage.”

1. Extra Engagement:  Use the information presented in the grammar sheets within a cooperative learning structure or as a whole class lesson on the whiteboard or smartboard.  Cut apart the sentences, and  paste the answer key back-to-back to create a self-checking learning center or partner activity.
   
   **Notice and discuss apostrophe usage when reading in real literature or in textbooks (within any subject area). When students see apostrophes during reading, encourage them to note  whether the apostrophe is being used because of a contraction or because  of a possessive.
   
   
2. Even More Engagement:  Print out and play “Hands-On Contractions or Possessives” in small groups, as a center, or with partners.  For yet another option, use the  self-checking game cards with a simple game board and die for an instant learning  game.
   
   **Emphasize the apostrophes are NEVER used simply to create a plural noun.  Complete grammar sheet “Evaluating Apostrophe Usage” as an independent formative assessment.