Nouns: Common & Proper

Day 1: Introduction to Nouns

Standards

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.1.A: Explain the function of nouns as naming words.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.1.C: Use abstract nouns (e.g., childhood).
• Georgia Standards of Excellence (ELA): ELAGSE3L1a,b

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Learning Objectives

• I can identify common and proper nouns in sentences.
• I can explain the difference between common and proper nouns.

Success Criteria

• I can point to nouns in a sentence.
• I can tell if a noun is common or proper by how it is written (capitalized or not).

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Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Picture cards (common objects and famous landmarks/people)
• Student notebooks
• Color-coded noun chart (blue = common, red = proper)

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Lesson Breakdown (15 minutes)

1. I Do (5 minutes)

• Begin by defining common nouns as "naming words for everyday things" (e.g., cat, city).
• Define proper nouns as names of specific people, places, or things and always capitalized (e.g., Ms. Davis, Atlanta).
• Write example sentences on the whiteboard:
  • The dog ran through the park.
  • Lucy went to New York City.
• Highlight common nouns in blue and proper nouns in red.
• Think aloud to demonstrate: “Dog is a common noun because it names any dog, but Lucy is a proper noun because it names a specific person and starts with a capital letter.”

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2. We Do (5 minutes)

• Show picture cards (e.g., a tree and the White House).
• With the class: identify the noun, then categorize as common or proper.
• Write 2-3 sentences on the board and ask students for thumbs up/down of which words are nouns and if they’re common or proper.
• Use color-coded chart to reinforce the idea of capitalization and naming.

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3. You Do (5 minutes)

• Students write 2 sentences in notebooks:
  • One sentence with 2 common nouns.
  • One sentence with 1 proper noun and 1 common noun.
• Share a few examples aloud, focusing on the capitalization of proper nouns.

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Differentiation

• For ELL and struggling learners: Use visual supports such as pictures for common and proper nouns. Provide sentence frames: “I see a ___ (common noun). My friend’s name is ___ (proper noun).”
• For advanced learners: Challenge them to write a sentence with an abstract noun as well (like “friendship” or “birthday”) or find proper nouns in a short paragraph.

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Extension (Optional)

• Create a simple “Noun Detective” worksheet where students underline proper nouns in a short story and highlight common nouns in another color.

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Day 2: Reinforcing and Applying Nouns

Standards

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.1.A, C
• Georgia Standards: ELAGSE3L1a,b

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Learning Objectives

• I can sort words into common and proper nouns.
• I can use common and proper nouns correctly in my writing, including capitalization of proper nouns.

Success Criteria

• I can correctly separate lists of words into common and proper nouns.
• I write sentences with properly capitalized proper nouns.

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Materials

• Word cards mixed with common and proper nouns
• Sorting mats labeled "Common Nouns" and "Proper Nouns"
• Student writing journals

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Lesson Breakdown (15 minutes)

1. I Do (3 minutes)

• Review definitions quickly.
• Model sorting word cards into the correct mats, explaining the reasoning aloud.

2. We Do (6 minutes)

• Distribute mixed noun cards to pairs (4-5 groups).
• Groups sort cards together on mats, agreeing on each placement.
• Circulate and provide support, reinforce capitalization rules.

3. You Do (6 minutes)

• Each student chooses 3 proper and 3 common nouns from the sorted cards.
• Write 3 sentences using at least one proper and one common noun in each sentence.
• Peer share: Pick one sentence to read and explain which noun is proper and why it is capitalized.

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Differentiation

• For students needing extra help: Provide pre-sorted noun lists and have them write sentences only using the nouns on the list.
• For advanced learners: Have students revise sentences to include adjectives or prepositional phrases to expand complexity.

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Extension

• Create a mini “Noun Booklet”: Students write and illustrate sentences with proper and common nouns on different pages to keep as a reference.

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Assessment for Both Days

• Review student sentences for correct capitalization of proper nouns.
• Observe participation and accuracy during group sorting activities.
• Collect noun worksheets or notebooks for informal checks on identifying nouns.

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This two-day plan uses a structured “I Do, We Do, You Do” gradual release model to deeply embed understanding of common and proper nouns, supporting diverse learners and encouraging active participation and creativity, perfectly aligned to Common Core and Georgia standards.