“I Can’t!” Said the Snowman

Grade 4ELA Spelling

Unit 4-1

ContractionsOnce an inquisitive snowman was confused

by his friends’ use of contractions. So, setting out to learn all he could about

these words was his reaction.ha

What are these strange words

called contractions ?

“Contractions are pairs of words that are combined with an apostrophe ,”

hooted the wise owl.

ha

Like we’re means we are, you’re means you are, and they’re means they are

mooed the cold cow.

Here is...here’s the problem. When is...when’s it going to get warmer. There is... there’s too much snow on the ground! It is...it’s too cold! Where is...where’s my tree house!

the chilly squirrel began to ponder.

I do not –don’twill not- won’t

does not- doesn’twas not- wasn’t

would not- wouldn’tcould not- couldn’t

should not- shouldn’thad not- hadn’t

have not- haven’t,

said the fox over yonder.

I have- I’ve got to sleep on

this,

said the drowsy bear.

Hmmmm,We have-

we’ve a polar crisis; bears

are not- aren’t very helpful,

added the snooty mare.

ha

Now, let me see if I have these

contractions right?

do not don’t we are we’re

will not won’t you are you’re

would not wouldn’t they are they’re

does not doesn’t there is there’s

was not wasn’t here is here’s

should not shouldn’t where is where’s

could not couldn’t it is it’s

had not hadn’t when is when’s

are not aren’t I have I’ve

have not haven’t we have we’ve

Oh yes, now I see the light !!!

Thank

you!!!