Possessive Apostrophes: kangaroo
The Grammar Bit!
Read the three scintillating sentences opposite. Notice how the words in bold feature apostrophes to show possession or belonging. For example, the dream belonged to Brolga – “Brolga’s dream,” the home belonged to the baby kangaroo – “the baby kangaroo’s home” and the parents belonged to the animals – “the animal’s parents.”
With a talk partner, discuss the position of the apostrophe. Does it always remain the same? What differences are there? Does it change the meaning?
Rule
- For a singular noun, add ‘s.
- For a plural noun ending in -s, just add an apostrophe.
(Exceptions to this include pluralised nouns that don’t end in -s. e.g. men’s, children’s and women’s.)
Scintillating Sentences
1) Brolga’s dream is to build a large hospital, which will help all sorts of orphaned and injured animals.
2) The pouch found on the mother is the baby kangaroo’s home for nearly a year.
3) All of the animals’ parents had been tragically killed in road accidents.
Did you know?
Young kangaroos (joeys) will sometimes jump headfirst into their mother’s pouch when they are frightened!