Snowman Contractions Activity

This snowman contractions activity turns contraction practice into a cozy winter memory game. Children match 16 Mitten Cards that show two words, such as do not and we will, to 16 Snowman Cards that show the contraction, such as don’t and we’ll. Along the way they learn that the apostrophe takes the place of the letters that are left out.

How to Use This Activity

Print and cut apart the card sheets, mix all 32 cards and lay them face down in rows. Players take turns flipping two cards and reading them out loud. When the two words match the contraction, the player keeps the pair and writes it on the Match Log. When they do not match, both cards are turned back over. A 1st grade practice worksheet then asks children to circle the right contraction for eight new pairs of words.

What’s Included

• A How to Use page with steps, prep tips and an extension idea
• 16 Mitten Cards with two words and 16 Snowman Cards with the matching contraction
• A Match Log recording sheet
• A 1st grade practice worksheet: circle the contraction that means the same thing
• An answer key for every card match and the practice page

Why Contraction Games Help Kids Learn

First, memory games make children read each card again and again, which builds quick recognition of common contractions. Second, pairing the long form with the short form shows exactly which letters the apostrophe replaces. Third, writing each match on the log turns the game into real spelling practice.

Ideas for Teachers and Parents

Use the cards at a literacy center, in a small reading group or as a winter game at home. For younger players, lay the Snowman Cards face up and match the Mitten Cards to them. This 1st grade Christmas activity also makes a quick review for 2nd and 3rd graders. Pair the snowman contractions activity with the resources below for more practice.

Related Resources

• Do You Want to Build a Snowman Contractions Activity
• Not Contractions Worksheet
• Have Contractions Worksheet
• Don’t Song (MP3)