I need help explaining apostrophes to yr 2 DD- she uses too many [hmm]

[suwoo]

DD aged 6 has been a free reader for a year now and is fairly advanced in the class in her literacy. Her 'target' for her creative writing is to use less apostrophes. I have been able to explain didn't, couldn't etc as I just said that the apostrophe marks the missing letter and she was so happy she had an explanation.

What about the other usage like girl's and girls' for example, how do I explain those in a way that she will understand?

In my pregnant state I can barely cobble together an adult explanation, never mind a childs one.

As an aside, I was delighted suprised yesterday after she told me how one of the boys on her table used the wrong spelling of their. She said it was 'their belongings' and he used the wrong one, this was accompanied by a tut and an eye roll

' is short for "belongs to" in this case.

So, if it "belongs to" the girl, it is the girl's.

If it "belongs to" the girls, it is the girls'.

What other uses are there? I'm so stupid at the moment

Is it because she is using them for plurals? Lots of children when they start using apostophes use them for plurals like:

1 dog/ 2 dog's

and they just need a gentle reminder NOT to use them for plurals. So you could explain what a plural is and get her to recognise them and not use them in those cases?

Apostrophes are easier than everyone thinks.

They are needed in 3 places:-
omission - when you miss out letter(s) e.g. are not - aren't
contraction - when you shorten a word - often works with omission (like aren't, they're etc)
possession - when something belongs to someone - the girl's house.

When the possessor is plural (i.e. belongs to more than one person - the sisters' house - the apostrophe goes at the end. The exception is when the word is already a plural (e.g. children), the apostrophe goes after the s (but I wouldn't bother her with the exception at the moment.)

Oh, and all kids over-use new punctuation before they get how to use them properly.

Yes, I think that might be it Wedgie. Will remind her of that tonight, thanks.

Thanks Sassy, that is concise and clear enough for -mme-- her to understand .

I meant me. Duh.

Many children overuse them - very normal at this stage. DD is in Y2 too and she and her friends are just the same, and use them for plurals when they shouldn't be doing so.

The suggestions given here sound good.

I think you mean "fewer apostrophes"

I knew someone would have to!!!!!!!!! It took me about 10 minutes and a phone call to my mum to compose my OP and someone just has to come along and point out that I am a stupid fucker .