Literacy fortnightly focus…

 An apostrophe looks just like a comma, but instead of being written on the line it floats higher in the air.  You should write the apostrophe in line with the tallest letter. Examples: Sarah’s car is blue. The ladies’ voices were loud!

Possession – The apostrophe is used to show that something belongs to someone or something. Add ’s after the word that shows who the owner is. Example 1: The shirt belonging to the player. The player’s shirt is dirty. When the owner is in the plural and ends in s, add an apostrophe after the s. Example 2: The celebration of the players. The players’ celebration.

Rule Find the owner Jack Add the apostrophe Jack’ Add s if there isn’t one Jack’s guitar

Rule Find the owner my parents Add the apostrophemy parents’ Add s if there isn’t one (there is!) my parents’ car

Rule Find the ownerthe fishermen Add the apostrophethe fishermen’ Add s if there isn’t one the fishermen’s boats

 Jim’s jumper has a hole in it.  The school’s rugby team  The boys’ coats were filthy.  The singers’ songs were a hit for them.  Mr Jones’ hat looks funny.  The men’s suits were grey.  Louis’ commitment to his studies has improved.

Remember There are no apostrophes in plural words even if they end in a vowel. Pianos not Piano’s Bananas not Banana’s Y7s not Y7’s C3s not C3’s

 If in doubt, leave the apostrophe out.  An apostrophe for possession should be used to show that something belongs to someone or something. E.g. The school’s inspection report was fantastic.  An apostrophe for contraction should be used to show that a letter(s) is missing. It is going to rain > It’s going to rain  Please continue to remind learners that all sentences must be demarcated with a capital letter at the beginning and a full stop/question mark/exclamation mark at the end.