Give each student a note card with a word that can make up a contraction written on it. Some examples include "can" or "do." Tell students that you will give them three minutes to silently find a partner to join with. As students silently walk around the classroom, they can show others their card and find a partner with whom they can combine. After they have a partner, students should line up at the front of the classroom with their partner. Double-check their partner choices. Do the activity again, and this time, time them so they can continue to try to create better times as they find contraction partners.
Students are used to writing in contractions and slang words. Ask them to write a letter to their best friend about an issue they care about. When they are done, have them highlight any contractions or slang words that they used. Next, ask that they write a formal letter to their principal about the same issue, but they should avoid contractions and slang to make their message sound professional. Ask them how difficult it was to avoid contractions.
Place a sticky note on each student's forehead with a letter or an apostrophe on it. Do not let students see what their letter is. Have one student be the choreographer and ask him to manipulate the other students and line them up to create a popular contraction. Once a group is lined up, those in the group can try to figure out what word they are making. Even though students do not know their letters, they can look at the letters around them to try to figure out their letter and word.
Some contractions can be confused with other words. For instance, "they're," "their" and "there" are often used interchangeably when a writer does not know the difference. The apostrophe signifies a contraction. To help students understand the difference in these words, give each student flashcards with each of the words. For instance, you might give each student cards with the words "your" and "you're." Have a list of sentences ready that use these words. After you read a sentence, ask students to hold up the card for the correct word that should be used in that sentence. Scan the classroom for comprehension.