Introduction

Introduce the lesson by explaining the purpose of proper nouns. Explain that proper nouns are names of people, places, things, etc… and are always spelled with a capital letter and that understanding how to identify and use proper nouns is a key writing skill.

Lesson Outline

• Review some common examples of proper nouns (people, places and things)
• Use a video or interactive resource to explore and learn more about what proper nouns are (below are some potential resources:
  • BBC Teach: What’s a Proper Noun?
  • Grammaropolis:Proper Nouns
• Give the children an opportunity to identify some commonly used proper nouns.
• Show some examples of using proper nouns in sentences, discuss why the appropriate noun needs to start with a capital letter.
• Provide the students with some worksheets which will help them to identify and use proper nouns.
• Provide differentiation where appropriate - for example, some students might read a sentence and explain why a certain word needs to start with a capital letter, whereas others could write their own sentences using proper nouns.

Questioning

Throughout the lesson, use a mix of closed and open questions to check for understanding and to help pupils reflect on their learning.

Assessment

At the conclusion of the lesson, provide an opportunity for pupils to review what they have learnt by asking them to come up with some examples of their own proper nouns.

Differentiation

Provide lower-ability pupils with fewer examples to begin with and provide support while they complete their worksheets. Higher-ability pupils could be asked to write their own sentences using proper nouns.

Plenary

To conclude the lesson, have a discussion with the class to review key learning points. Ask pupils to explain what a proper noun is, give some examples and explain why the word needs to start with a capital letter.

Resources

Video: - BBC Teach: What’s a Proper Noun? - Grammaropolis: Proper Nouns

Worksheets: - All Kids Network: Proper Nouns - Education.com: Identifying Proper Nouns