English // Spelling & Word Study

Apostrophes for possession

Use the possessive apostrophe with singular nouns to show ownership (e.g., the girl's book, the dog's bone)

Ages
6 to 8
Type
Method
Builds on
3 topics
Leads to
3 topics
Standards
5 codes

Quick check

When the learner writes something belonging to one person or thing — like "the dog's lead" or "the girl's bag" — do they put the apostrophe in the right place?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Write 'the cat's tail' to show the tail belongs to the cat
  • Distinguish plural -s ('the cats ran') from possessive 's ('the cat's bed') in writing
  • Add a possessive apostrophe to a singular noun in a dictated sentence

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

3 topics
  • Regular Plural NounsRequired

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 5 to 6

    Must understand plural -s before distinguishing possessive 's

  • Basic Nouns & VerbsHelpful

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 5 to 6

    Understanding nouns supports identifying what can be possessive

  • Spelling Contracted FormsHelpful

    Spelling & Word Study // Ages 6 to 7

    Understanding apostrophe in contractions helps understand its use in possession

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Apostrophes for possession

Ages 6 to 8 // Method

Leads to

3 topics

Topic // Standards

Curriculum standards

Codes for the curriculum statements this topic maps to. Each publisher owns its standard text.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
L.1.1bL.2.2c
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document
Eng.App2.Y2.Punc.3Eng/KS1/Y2/S/1eEng_App1_Y2_23

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