Welcome to Singular and Plural Possessive Nouns!

1. Welcome to Singular and Plural Possessive Nouns! By Lauren Gorski

2. Lesson Overview - Home • What Is a Possessive Noun? • Singular Possessives • Definition and Examples • Plural Possessives • Definition and Examples • Concept Map • Independent Practice Activity

3. What Is a Possessive Noun? • Possessive nouns are nouns that use an apostrophe to show ownership of something. • Example: Ms. Gorski’s lesson • “Ms. Gorski’s” is an example of a possessive noun because Ms. Gorski owns the lesson she created. • There are two types of possessive nouns: singular possessive and plural possessive.

4. Singular Possessive Nouns • Definition: • Singular possessive nouns are singular nouns (one person, place, or thing) that use an apostrophe and an “s” to show their ownership of something. • The apostrophe always comes before the “s.” • Examples: • the cat’s toy • Meaning: the toy belongs to one cat. • the girl’s lunchbox • Meaning: the lunchbox belongs to one girl. • If the singular noun already has an “s” on the end, still add an apostrophe “s.” • Example: Jess’s baseball bat • Meaning: the baseball bat belongs to Jess.

5. Plural Possessive Nouns • Definition: • Plural possessive nouns are plural nouns (more than one person, place, or thing) that use an apostrophe to show their ownership of something. • Here’s the tricky part: Sometimes the apostrophe comes before the “s” and sometimes it comes after! • Example: • the cats’ toy • Meaning: the toy belongs to more than one cat. • Remember: Some plural nouns are not just singular nouns + “s” (like cat and cats) but instead are spelled differently. • Example: mouse (singular)  mice (plural) • Add an apostrophe “s” to these nouns to make them plural possessive. • Example: the mice’s hole (plural possessive) • Meaning: the hole belongs to the mice. • If the plural possessive noun has an “s” on the end already, just add an apostrophe after the “s.” • Example: wolf (singular)  wolves (plural) • Example continued: the wolves’ prey (plural possessive) • Meaning: the prey belongs to the wolves.

6. Concept Map

7. Independent Practice Activity First, read the following directions and raise your hand if you need a printed copy of this lesson: • Click the picture of the red van and watch the animation until it stops. • Click where it says “Power Proofreading, click here.” • After that, type your name in the box and click “Go.” • Close the “How to Start” menu that pops up. • Click on “Grade 8” (the blue folder on the right). • Choose the passage “Dimes for Rhymes.” • Click “Play!” • To complete the activity, read the passage first. Then click on the singular and plural possessive nouns that are incorrect. Use the keyboard to correct these nouns, then click “Ok!” • There is a “ding” sound when you are correct, and a “boing” sound when you are incorrect and need to try again. • There are 8 errors in the passage, and they will be highlighted for you when you find and correct them all. • Once you finish, begin the Possessive Noun Practice handout. • Click here to begin the activity.