Contractions Worksheets
A contraction is two words squeezed into one, with an apostrophe holding the spot where letters fell out: is not becomes isn't, I am becomes I'm. Second graders read them, spell them, and learn to park the apostrophe exactly where the missing letters used to live.
By grade
What students need to know
A contraction squeezes two words into one. The apostrophe sits exactly where letters dropped out: do not becomes don't.
This skill runs from 2nd grade through 4th grade. Pick a grade above for level-matched sentences, teaching notes, and worksheets.
Contractions across the grades
2nd Grade
A contraction is two words squeezed into one, with an apostrophe holding the spot where letters fell out: is not becomes isn't, I am becomes I'm. Second graders read them, spell them, and learn to park the apostrophe exactly where the missing letters used to live.
3rd Grade
Contractions shorten word pairs (did not, you are, let us) into everyday forms (didn't, you're, let's). Third graders spell the full set confidently and catch the two classic errors: the missing apostrophe (dont) and the wandering one (do'nt).
4th Grade
By 4th grade, contractions are mostly review with sharper edges: the would/should/could family (shouldn't, wouldn't), the irregular won't, and the it's/its fork, where the apostrophe marks a contraction rather than ownership. Precision here pays off directly in writing.