Write a simple sentence on the chalkboard that uses words you can make into a contraction. For example, write, "The dogs do not like strangers." Circle the words "do" and "not" on the chalkboard. Ask the students if they know a way to combine and shorten these two words. Write the word "don't" in large letters immediately beneath the circled words and read it aloud. Read the words "do" and "not" aloud and then read the word "don't" again several times so students can notice the connection between the words.
Examine the components of a contraction with the students so they can understand how to create them. Point out the letters "d" and "o" and make sure students see that these letters come from the word "do." Point out the letters "n" and "t" and make sure students see that these letters come from the word "not."
Explain the apostrophe by pointing it out to students and telling them that the apostrophe is a special mark that takes the place of letters that we drop when we form a contraction. Using the same example, the apostrophe replaces the "o" in the word "not" and we write it at this point in the word.
Write additional pairs of words that can form simple contractions. Examples to write include "can not," "should not," "are not," "I will," "you have," and "he would." Demonstrate the process of changing these pairs of words into contractions by placing the words together, dropping the proper letters and replacing the letter or letters with an apostrophe.
Give classroom practice for the students so they learn the process. Write words on the chalkboard for students to change and invite students up to the board. Distribute worksheets that contain word pairs--create some worksheets "fill-in-the-blanks" and others "multiple choice," where the students must choose the correct contraction. Provide paragraphs with word pairs and ask students to rewrite the paragraphs with contractions.