Introduction

Tell the children that you will be exploring the concept of proper nouns. Ask the children if they know what a proper noun is.

Define a proper noun as the name of a person, place, or thing that is spelt with a capital letter.

Explain that a camel has humps; this is a generic noun, because many camels have humps, but if you named the camel “Brian”, then it becomes a proper noun.

Review the concept of capital letters, and how they are used for names, like the title of books or the names of people.

Lesson outline

• Talk about examples of proper nouns (names of people, places or things)
• Show video (1-2 minutes) with examples of proper nouns and how they are spelt
  • Youtube link: https://youtu.be/0Fh9H38PivI
• Put the children in groups of three, and give each group three worksheets to complete
  • Worksheets link: https://www.teachingideas.co.uk/english/AFixCopyCat2.html
• Have each group share the answers and explain their reasoning for the given answer

Questioning Use a variety of probing questions when assessing children’s understanding. Examples could include:

• What is a proper noun?
• Can you name three proper nouns?
• What kinds of things are proper nouns?

Assessment Throughout the lesson, assess the children’s understanding by asking questions and listening to the conversations during the groupwork.

Differentiation Differentiated worksheets can be used to accommodate to children’s various learning abilities.

Plenary Recap the lesson by asking children to give examples of proper nouns.

Explain that they should always remember to use a capital letter when spelling a proper noun.