Identifying Common Contractions
3/30/2026 | 1m 4sVideo has Closed Captions
This activity focuses on learning the predictable patterns used in common contractions.
This activity focuses on learning the most predictable patterns in common contractions. Learning contractions enhances comprehension and fluency. The adult demonstrates how two words become one by replacing a letter or two with an apostrophe. The child is encouraged to follow the pattern and make contractions. Next, the adult and child read a book together, noting the contractions.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Learning to Read is a local public television program presented by WNPT
Funding for LEARNING TO READ is provided by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Identifying Common Contractions
3/30/2026 | 1m 4sVideo has Closed Captions
This activity focuses on learning the most predictable patterns in common contractions. Learning contractions enhances comprehension and fluency. The adult demonstrates how two words become one by replacing a letter or two with an apostrophe. The child is encouraged to follow the pattern and make contractions. Next, the adult and child read a book together, noting the contractions.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- Contractions are a shorter way to say and write two words that are often used together with an apostrophe replacing the missing letters.
To practice contractions, begin with some that use the word not.
- So, let's change cannot into a smaller word.
- Take out the O, add the apostrophe.
Can't.
- Good job.
You got this one.
- Did not, I take out the O, add the apostrophe.
Didn't.
- [Teacher] Good job.
- [Presenter] Another way to teach contractions is to read a story together, find the contractions, and talk about them.
- Oh, that's good.
- No, that's bad.
- [Presenter] Most contractions are formed in predictable ways and learning these patterns will help your child read and spell them more easily.
Congrats.
Now you can turn two words into one.
- [Narrator] Sponsored by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, helping build literary skills and encouraging parents and children to spend 20 minutes a day reading together.
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Learning to Read is a local public television program presented by WNPT
Funding for LEARNING TO READ is provided by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation