C Curriculum Explorer
English·Spelling & Word Study·procedural

Spelling Contracted Forms

Spell contracted forms correctly by placing the apostrophe where letters are omitted (can't, didn't, I'll, it's, etc.)

Suggested ages 6–7

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Learning journey

Your child is learning more advanced spelling rules, including how to add suffixes that change the root word, use apostrophes correctly in contractions and possessives, and spell words with alternative letter patterns for familiar sounds.

Evidence of understanding

  • Write 'can't' for 'cannot', 'didn't' for 'did not' with apostrophe correctly placed
  • Distinguish 'it's' (it is) from 'its' (possessive) in a sentence
  • Expand a contraction back to its full form and explain which letters are missing

Assessment prompt

When Spelling Contracted Forms writes a short form like "can't" or "didn't," do they put the apostrophe in the right place to show where letters are missing?

Standards alignment

L.1.2bUS · ccss-ela

L.1.2b

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 1

Eng/KS1/Y2/S/1dGB · uk-nc-2013

Spell contracted forms

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1

Eng_App1_Y2_22GB · uk-nc-2013

Contractions

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1