Introduce the concept of negative contractions to students. ( It is helpful if students have already learned other contractions). Tell students that negative contractions are a word plus the word 'not' that are combined using an apostrophe. 

Give a few examples on the board:

Could not --> couldn't

Are not --> aren't 

Is not --> isn't

Have students 'turn and talk' about the pattern that they notice between the three negative contractions. Guide students so that they understand that when the two words are combined, the 'o' in 'not' is replaced with an apostrophe.

Watch the video The Electric Company: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sScHUorw-Hc and have students share all the negative contractions they heard in the video.

Pair students in groups of 2 or 3 and have them complete the negative contraction activity.

Directions for how to set up the activity:

 Cut out the words in the attached resource and place them in an envelope. Students then match the words (long form beside short form) on the blank short form/long form chart. Each group doing the activity will need an envelope with the words inside and a blank chart.

Walk around and check students' understanding of the concept and provide assistance to the students who seem lost or confused (informal assessment) 

Lesson closing:

Review any negative contractions that don't fit the typical pattern (cannot --> can't, will not --> won't). 

As a follow-up activity students could write sentences using negative contractions.