KS1 Contractions Puzzles – Apostrophes for Contractions (Year 2 English)

Engage your Year 2 learners with this fun and interactive set of contraction puzzles, designed to help pupils understand how apostrophes are used for contracted forms (not possession). This hands-on resource supports the National Curriculum for English (KS1) focus on spelling, punctuation, and informal language use.

National Curriculum Reference – Year 2 English (Key Stage 1):
“Learn how the apostrophe is used for contracted forms (for example, can’t, didn’t, hasn’t, couldn’t, it’s, I’ll).”

Learning Objectives:

• Recognise and build common contractions used in everyday English.
• Understand that an apostrophe shows missing letters in contractions.
• Practise correct spelling patterns and punctuation rules.
• Differentiate between formal and informal forms of writing.

Each puzzle focuses on one type of contraction:
“Be” Contractions – I’m, you’re, he’s, she’s, we’re, they’re, it’s
Negative “Not” Contractions – don’t, isn’t, can’t, didn’t, won’t, etc.
“Will” and “Would” Contractions – I’ll, he’ll, they’ll, I’d, she’d, etc.
“Have” and “Had” Contractions – I’ve, you’ve, they’ve, I’d, etc.
Question Word Contractions – who’s, what’s, where’s, when’s, why’s, how’s

How It Works:
Each puzzle contains three matching parts:

• The contraction (e.g. you’re)
• The first word (e.g. you)
• The second word (e.g. are)

Pupils match or assemble the correct pieces to form the complete contraction, reinforcing understanding through play.

Perfect for:

• Independent or partner work
• Literacy centres / SPaG activities
• Small-group interventions
• Morning tasks or early finisher activities
• Homework consolidation

Encourage active learning and boost SPaG confidence with these fun, curriculum-aligned contraction puzzles — ideal for Year 2 learners mastering apostrophes for contraction!

If you like this resource check out:

• Contractions Dominoes – Year 2