three deep sea fish with large teeth
Norbert Wu/Minden Pictures (viperfish, anglerfish, fangtooth fish)

Grammar’s Monsters of the Deep

The deep ocean is filled with monstrous wonders.

From the March 2020 Issue

Learning Objective: to correctly use the commonly confused words its and it’s.

 

Directions

Read the blurbs belowDetermine which word is correct in each bolded word pair.

This activity was originally published in the March 2020 issue.

video (1)
Video
Grammar Hack: It’s or Its?

In this delightful video, we give your students tips on how to keep “it’s” and “its” straight.

Grammar Hack: It’s or Its?

In this delightful video, we give your students tips on how to keep “it’s” and “its” straight.

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

Close Reading, Critical Thinking, Skill Building

1. INTRODUCE AND PRACTICE GRAMMAR SKILL

2. REINFORCE SKILL

EDITOR’S TIP

  • a football player being tackled by the other team

    Narrative Nonfiction

    Deadly Hits

    After a 13-year-old football player suffered a life-altering brain injury, he and his family dedicated their lives to making youth sports safer for everyone.

  • a man smiling with arms wide open in front of a colorful banner

    Poem

    Your Dream Is

    After reading a beautiful poem by Jason Reynolds, students write their own dream poems.

  • old ship named Baychimo on foggy water

    You Be The Editor

    This (Haunted?) Ship Won’t Sink

    The Baychimo is one of many ghost ships prowling the seas.

  • Article

    Grammar

    Grammar Loves These Aliens

    This feature offers practice using “there,” their,” and “they’re” while learning about the possibility of finding aliens.

  • Article

    Grammar

    Grammar Makes a Comeback

    This feature about how famous brands reinvented themselves offers practice using “good” and “well.”

  • Article

    Grammar

    Grammar’s Gross Gum Wall

    This feature about a wall covered with chewed gum in Seattle offers practice using “less” and “fewer.”

Text-to-Speech