One of the most common grammar mistakes children make in the 11 Plus English exam is confusing “it’s” and “its”. While they may sound identical, their meanings are entirely different. So, how can you help your child confidently tell them apart?

Let’s break it down with clear steps, fun activities, and practical tips to make learning this grammar rule simple and effective.

Teach the Rule Clearly

The first step is understanding the basic rule:

• “It’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has”. For example: “It’s a sunny day.” (It is a sunny day.)
• “Its” is the possessive form of “it” and shows ownership. For example: “The cat licked its paw.”

A simple way to remember this is: “It’s” always has an apostrophe because something is missing (letters in ‘is’ or ‘has’).

“Think of ‘it’s’ as a shortcut and ‘its’ as a sign of ownership—it’s like knowing when to use a key and when to lock the door.”

Practice Expansion to Double-Check Usage

One of the easiest tricks to teach children is expanding “it’s” into “it is” or “it has” to see if it fits in the sentence.

• “It’s time for lunch.” → “It is time for lunch.” ✅ Correct
• “The dog wagged it’s tail.” → “The dog wagged it is tail.” ❌ Incorrect

If the sentence makes sense when expanded, then “it’s” is correct. If not, “its” is the right choice.

Use Visual Aids for Reinforcement

Children often respond well to visual learning tools. Create flashcards with examples:

• On one side: “It’s” → It is / It has
• On the other side: “Its” → Shows ownership

You can also design posters showing clear examples and hang them near your child’s study space.

“A quick glance at a poster can reinforce a grammar rule faster than a long explanation.”

Make Learning Fun With Games

Grammar doesn’t have to be dull! Turn learning into a game. Try “Spot the Difference” with example sentences:

• “It’s raining outside.”
• “The dog lost its bone.”

Ask your child to point out which is a contraction and which shows possession. You can also create worksheets with mixed examples and have them circle the correct form.

“Games turn grammar lessons into adventures—each sentence is a clue waiting to be solved.”

Provide Real-Life Context

Context helps solidify learning. Encourage your child to use both forms in meaningful sentences:

• “It’s time for bed.”
• “The bird flapped its wings.”

Point out examples in books, stories, or even everyday situations. Contextual learning helps children understand that grammar isn’t just a rule but a tool for clearer communication.

“Grammar rules stick better when they’re part of a story rather than a drill.”

Make Practice a Daily Habit

Consistency is key. Include these exercises in your child’s daily reading and writing routine:

• Ask them to write three sentences using “it’s” and three using “its”.
• Highlight examples during bedtime reading.
• Encourage them to proofread their own writing for these words.

Regular, bite-sized practice is far more effective than occasional intensive sessions.

Mastering “It’s” vs “Its” is Easier Than You Think

The difference between “it’s” and “its” might seem small, but mastering this rule can make a big difference in your child’s writing. With clear explanations, fun exercises, and regular practice, your child will soon feel confident using these tricky words correctly.

So, are you ready to turn this common grammar mix-up into a simple win? Start today, and watch your child’s confidence grow with every well-punctuated sentence.