Tool Box 5: Contractions Puzzles

Contractions Toolbox Puzzle Activity 

The Contractions Toolbox is a hands-on puzzle activity designed to help students understand and practice contractions by matching the expanded form with its correct contracted form. Students “open” their toolbox by connecting puzzle pieces that fit together only when the contraction is formed correctly.

Each puzzle set includes one piece with the expanded form (for example, do not) and a matching piece with the contraction (don’t), encouraging students to read carefully and recognize how words are shortened using an apostrophe . This visual and tactile approach helps make contractions easier to understand and remember.

This activity is especially helpful for ESL and ELL learners, as well as students who benefit from hands-on learning and repetition . It works well for:

• Independent practice 
   

• Partner or small-group work 
   

• Learning stations or centers 
   

• Early finisher or review activities 
   

The toolbox theme makes grammar practice feel fun and approachable , while the puzzle format keeps students actively engaged . This resource helps students build confidence with contractions, improve reading fluency, and use correct forms in their writing .