England · Year 2 · Ages 6–7 · Parent guide

Year 2 Apostrophes: Parent Guide

A practical Year 2 apostrophes parent guide with a 10–15 minute home-learning routine, prompts and answer guidance.

Home learning

A 10–15 minutes practice routine

You do not need to recreate a classroom lesson. A short routine that mixes explanation, one modelled example and independent recall is enough for useful home practice.

1
Start with the learning goal: “I can use an apostrophe when letters are missing or something belongs to someone.” Ask your child to explain any words they already know.
2
Model one example together: Write the short form of 'do not'.
3
Let your child try two questions independently: Write the short form of 'I am'. / Choose: the dog's bowl / the dogs bowl.
4
Ask “How do you know?” or “Which clue/fact helped?” so the child explains the method rather than only giving an answer.
5
Finish with a quick retrieval check: Explain apostrophes in one sentence.

Support without giving the answer

Helpful prompts

Allow practical equipment, drawings and short oral explanations where helpful.
Focus on accurate understanding rather than long written responses.
Stop after a short successful practice session and return later if concentration drops.
Ask “What do you notice?” before explaining the method.
If your child is stuck, reduce the numbers/text complexity before returning to the original question.

When to move on

Signs the skill is becoming secure

1. don't
2. I'm
3. the dog's bowl
Your child can explain the method or evidence in their own words.

Next step

Turn the explanation into practice

Use the printable for independent work, or return to the topic overview to choose another way to practise.

Open printable worksheet Topic overview

A 10–15 minutes practice routine

Helpful prompts

Signs the skill is becoming secure

Turn the explanation into practice

Connected resources for Apostrophes