Introduction

Start off by explaining that proper nouns are names that refer to a particular place, person, thing or idea. Ask the class if they already know some proper nouns (for example, “What’s the name of your school?”). Move on to explain that proper nouns must be written with a capital letter.

Lesson Outline

• Start with a hands-on activity. Divide the class into small groups, give each group some Lego blocks, and have them make a model of a place or thing of their own. Ask each group to come up with a name for their model. Ask the students to write down their model’s name using a capital letter.

• Show some pictures of people, places and things on the board, with the names below each in lowercase letters. Ask the students which of these should be written using a capital letter. Discuss why each of these names is a proper noun.

• Show the class this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL3BDtUTW78) explaining the rules of using capital letters when we write a proper noun.

• Hand out worksheets with a selection of different names, including proper nouns and other types of nouns. Ask the students to highlight the proper nouns with a coloured pen.

Questioning

Throughout the lesson, ask questions to encourage discussion and thinking. For example:

• What are some proper nouns you know?

• Do we need to use a capital letter when we write a proper noun? Why?

• Why is the name of our school a proper noun?

Assessment

At the end of the lesson, give the students a quiz or matching activity to test their understanding of proper nouns.

Differentiation

• For students who need more support, give them extra time to complete the activity or provide extra help during the lesson.

• For students who are struggling, give them easier questions or use verbal rather than written responses.

• For students who need an extra challenge, provide them with more difficult questions or an extension task/activity.

Plenary

To finish the lesson, ask the students to explain why we use a capital letter when we write a proper noun.

Resources

• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL3BDtUTW78

• Worksheet: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-l-5148-what-is-a-proper-noun-worksheet