English Language ArtsK-2
Contraction Spelling Practice for First Grade
By Deirdra S.
A three-day spelling packet for 1st graders who are still building reading confidence, focusing on nine common contractions like you'll, I'll, and don't. Students write each contraction five times per day and complete matching activities that show how two words combine into one.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use one section per day across three days, starting with a brief whole-class introduction that explains how the apostrophe replaces missing letters, about 10 minutes before students begin writing.
- Discussion question: "What letters did the apostrophe take the place of in don't?" Ask students to say the two full words first, then the contraction, to build the connection.
- Scaffold for struggling readers: pair each contraction with its two-word form (for example, "he + is = he's") on a visual card, and let students trace or copy the word before writing it independently.
- Extension for advanced students: ask them to write a short sentence using two or three of the contractions, or to find other contractions in a favorite picture book.
- Estimated time: about 15 to 20 minutes per day, allowing short breaks for handwriting practice.
English Language ArtsK-2
Contraction Spelling Practice for First Grade
By Deirdra S.
A three-day spelling packet for 1st graders who are still building reading confidence, focusing on nine common contractions like you'll, I'll, and don't. Students write each contraction five times per day and complete matching activities that show how two words combine into one.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use one section per day across three days, starting with a brief whole-class introduction that explains how the apostrophe replaces missing letters, about 10 minutes before students begin writing.
- Discussion question: "What letters did the apostrophe take the place of in don't?" Ask students to say the two full words first, then the contraction, to build the connection.
- Scaffold for struggling readers: pair each contraction with its two-word form (for example, "he + is = he's") on a visual card, and let students trace or copy the word before writing it independently.
- Extension for advanced students: ask them to write a short sentence using two or three of the contractions, or to find other contractions in a favorite picture book.
- Estimated time: about 15 to 20 minutes per day, allowing short breaks for handwriting practice.