Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on proper nouns. Before we begin today, let’s review what nouns are. (Teacher will present a five-minute review on nouns).

Lesson Outline

I. Definition of Proper Nouns (10 minutes):

A proper noun is a specific name that refers to a person, place, thing, or title. Start the lesson by presenting some examples. Show pictures of a few famous people, places, and things. Show a title like the President of the United States, and ask the students to come up with their own examples.

II. Rules for Proper Nouns (10 minutes):

Review the general rules for proper nouns with the students.

• Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter
• Proper nouns usually only include one word
• Proper nouns can include multiple words
• Certain titles can include more than one word (e.g. Queen Elizabeth II)

Explain that there are some exceptions to the rules (e.g. Aunt Mandy, Grandma Jean), but the general rules still apply.

III. Practice with Proper Nouns (15 minutes):

Provide the students with some practice using proper nouns. There are plenty of online worksheets and activities to use for fun practice.

Worksheets:

• https://www.teachables.scholastic.com/teachables/books/grammar-ready-proper-nouns-grade-3-590502.html

Activities:

• https://www.education.com/activity/article/proper-noun-bingo/

IV. Discuss the Use of Proper Nouns in Conversation (10 minutes):

Discuss how proper nouns are used in conversation. Ask the students to think of some conversations that might use proper nouns. Examples might include talking about a family vacation, discussing a favorite movie, or talking about someone’s favorite pet.

V. Fun Fact About Proper Nouns (5 minutes):

Present a fun fact about proper nouns. Examples could include “Did you know that everyone has a proper noun name?” or “Did you know that the proper noun of a book’s title is always italicized?”

Questioning

Throughout the lesson, ask students open-ended questions to ensure understanding. Questions can encourage students to explain the difference between proper nouns and common nouns, providing examples of proper nouns, and describing how proper nouns are used in conversations.

Assessment

At the end of the lesson, provide students with a quick assessment to evaluate their understanding of proper nouns. Assessments can include having students write sentences using proper nouns, fill in the blanks with proper nouns, or answer multiple choice questions about proper nouns.

Differentiation

Differentiate instruction by providing students with multiple options for practice and assessment. Provide students with different levels of difficulty for practice worksheets and activities. Provide written worksheets for those who need the structure and opportunity for more creative activities for those who learn best with hands-on activities.

Plenary

End the lesson by having students explain what a proper noun is, provide examples of proper nouns, and discuss how proper nouns are used in conversation. You can also provide a short quiz or worksheet to evaluate their understanding.

Video Resource:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGbLKjGmt2Q