Contractions

Early Learning Teaching Your Child to Read
1

Sorry, I know I’m a little crazy with all my questions :wacko: but I really just want to get this right.

I am wondering when it is ok to introduce contractions in reading. For example…

It’s a snowy day.

Instead of…

It is a snowy day.

I’m also wondering about showing possession.

Is it ok to use the apostrophe? For example…

Jacob’s eyes are blue.

Or would it be better to say…

Jacob has blue eyes.

Or, does it not matter. Should I just mix it all in and assume he will eventually understand the meaning. I have all these homemade book ideas swimming in my head but most of them present me with a few extra questions.

Thanks a million for everyone’s help!

2

Personally, I would certainly have a variety.

For “contractions”, I may start with the full form, but I would introduce the shortened version soon after.

For “possession”, I would certainly show it even from the very beginning.

3

I would just go with whatever you want in the story - I feel the story counts more because it is what the child is interested in. They will learn whatever you give them to learn and its no more difficult for them to learn “Jacob’s” then “hippopotamus.” Young children just accept what you show them and tell them - its only when they are older that they question you and would find the apostrophe confusing. One day when your child is older you could explain to them why it is that way, but for now its just another word.