Apostrophes: Game, Rules and Examples for Kids
An apostrophe (’) does two jobs: it shows missing letters in a contraction (do not → don’t), and it shows that something belongs to someone (the cat’s tail).
Tricks that make it easier
- Contractions: the apostrophe goes where the letters are missing (is not → isn’t).
- One owner: add ’s (the girl’s book). More than one owner ending in s: add just ’ (the girls’ books).
- It’s means it is; its means belonging to it, with no apostrophe.
Common mistakes
- Adding apostrophes to plurals ("apple’s for sale").
- Writing it’s when you mean its.
- Putting the apostrophe in the wrong place in a contraction (do’nt).
A five-day practice plan
| Day | What to do (10 minutes) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Play Punctuation Station on this skill for 5–10 minutes. Read the explanation after every mistake. |
| Day 2 | Learn one trick from this page and use it out loud while you play. |
| Day 3 | Print the worksheet and try it without help. Mark it with the answer key together. |
| Day 4 | Play again and try to beat your personal best score or get three stars. |
| Day 5 | Mix it up: try the ⏱️ Timed test, or ask your child to explain the skill to you in their own words. |
Suits Grade 2 and Grade 3 and Grade 4 and Grade 5.
Frequently asked questions
When do you use an apostrophe?
For contractions like can’t and for possession like Sam’s bag.
Does its have an apostrophe?
Only when it means it is or it has (it’s raining). For belonging, use its (the dog wagged its tail).
Do plurals need apostrophes?
No. "Two cats" has no apostrophe. Only add one to show possession or missing letters.