Introduction:
Contractions are shorter ways to say two words together using an apostrophe (‘). They help make speaking and writing simpler and faster.

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• What are Contractions?

1. A contraction is a combination of two words shortened by removing some letters and replacing them with an apostrophe.
2. Example: “do not” becomes “don’t.”

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• Common Contractions:

1. I’m = I am
   • Example: “I’m happy.”
2. You’re = You are
   • Example: “You’re my friend.”
3. He’s = He is
   • Example: “He’s playing outside.”
4. She’s = She is
   • Example: “She’s reading a book.”
5. It’s = It is
   • Example: “It’s a sunny day.”
6. We’re = We are
   • Example: “We’re going to the park.”
7. They’re = They are
   • Example: “They’re having fun.”
8. Can’t = Cannot
   • Example: “I can’t find my toy.”
9. Don’t = Do not
   • Example: “I don’t like broccoli.”
10. Isn’t = Is not
    • Example: “This isn’t my hat.”

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• How to Complete Sentences with Contractions:

1. Look at the sentence and think about which two words make sense together.
2. Choose the correct contraction that combines those words.
3. Example:
   • “I __ going to the park.” (I am → “I’m”)
   • “They __ playing soccer.” (are not → “aren’t”)

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• Why Use Contractions?

1. Contractions make sentences sound more natural and less formal.
2. They are often used in everyday speech and informal writing.

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Conclusion:
Completing sentences with the correct contraction helps first graders understand how to use these shortened forms properly.