There, Their, They’re: Mastering This Tricky Homophone Trio
3-5
1
Contractions: Combining Two Words Into One
Lesson Details
Grade Level
3-5
Duration (minutes)
1
Summary
Grade 3-5 students learn how contractions combine two words into one, with the apostrophe standing in for missing letters. The video walks through common patterns — do not/don't, I am/I'm, you are/you're, they are/they're, is not/isn't — and calls out the tricky its vs. it's distinction, giving students a clear pattern to apply on their own.
Student Worksheet: Contractions
Teacher Note: Students can watch the video lesson above and answer the questions. Click the “Teacher Answer Key” dropdown below when you are ready to review the solutions!
Key Concepts:
• Contraction: A shorter way to say two words together. Letters are removed and replaced with an apostrophe.
• Apostrophe: Shows exactly where letters are missing (e.g. “do not” → “don’t” drops the o in “not”).
• Tricky words: “Its” (no apostrophe) shows ownership, like “the dog wagged its tail.” “It’s” (with apostrophe) is short for “it is.”
Instructions: Read each question carefully and write your answer in the space provided.
- Question 1: What is a contraction, and what does the apostrophe show?
- Question 2: Write the contraction for “I am.” Which letter disappears?
- Question 3: Write the contraction for “you are.”
- Question 4: Write the contraction for “they are.”
- Question 5: What is the difference between “its” and “it’s”? Give an example sentence for each.
- Question 6: Change “we are” into a contraction.
Click to reveal Teacher Answer Key
1. A contraction is a shorter way to say two words; the apostrophe shows where letters have been removed.
2. I’m — the “a” in “am” disappears.
3. you’re
4. they’re
5. “Its” (no apostrophe) shows ownership, e.g. “The dog wagged its tail.” “It’s” (with apostrophe) is short for “it is,” e.g. “It’s raining outside.”
6. we’re
Disclaimer: This worksheet was generated with AI assistance based on original video content. It is intended for educational reference only. Teachers are encouraged to review and adjust questions to fit their curriculum standards before classroom use.
🎯 Extension Activity: Give students a list of 8-10 word pairs (do not, cannot, she is, he will, was not, should not, etc.) and have them write the correct contraction for each, circling the letters that disappeared.