Contraction Surgery

Today we did one of my favorite activities - Contraction Surgery. Let's face it - contractions are not that interesting - at least of the grammar variety. But I think this little activity and craftivity help to make it easier for the kids to understand the concept behind contractions.     We have been working on contractions in class and talking about why we use them and how we make them.   Today I explained that when we make we are kind of like surgeons.   We cut out the parts of words that are not needed and "stitch" them back together using an apostrophe.   The kids liked the idea of that. I showed them an example and they were ready to go.  We donned "surgical gear" - aka - dust masks,  science goggles and gloves from the custodian and got to work using my Contraction Hospital packet. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Contraction-Hospital-Craftivity-366691   The kids LOVED it.   We used cheapy dollar store band-aids to "stitch" the words back together and write our apostrophes on.   Their "hospitals" were adorable and they had a very hands-on experience that I am hoping they remember for a long time to come!