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Teaching grammar to young children can be fun and engaging when you break down concepts into simple, everyday examples. One of the first grammar terms children learn is common nouns. But what exactly are they… and how can you explain them in a way that makes sense to kids? Let’s explore!

What Are Common Nouns?
Common nouns are words that name general people, places, things, or animals. They are not specific and do not need a capital letter unless they start a sentence.
Think of it this way: If you can see it, 👀 touch it, 👆 or talk about it, 👄 it might be a common noun!
Examples of Common Nouns Grouped into Categories:
- People: teacher, friend, doctor, mother, child
- Places: school, park, city, beach, zoo
- Things: book, chair, apple, car, computer
- Animals: bird, dog, cat, fish, elephant
Tip: Proper nouns like “Mr. Smith” or “Paris” name specific people or places, and always begin with a capital letter. Common nouns are more general.
Games and Activities to Teach Common Nouns
Spot the Noun Game:
- Name a category (e.g., “things you see in the kitchen”) and ask children to list things they can see and touch.
Noun Hunt:
- Go on a noun hunt around the house or classroom. How many common nouns can they find? Provide a simple checklist and ask them to name five things they see. Ask them to draw five nouns.
Picture Match:
- Show a picture of a scene (i.e., a playground) and ask, “What nouns do you see?” They might say “slide,” “grass,” “child,” or “tree.” If the children are reading words, ask them to pair a picture with a corresponding word.
Storytime with Nouns:
- Share a few pages of a storybook and ask the children to identify nouns as you read. (They could raise their hand, jump, move a block, etc., when a noun is spoken.)
Noun Sorting:
- Create a game where children group words or pictures into categories like people, places, things, and animals.
Creative Writing:
- Encourage children to write or tell simple sentences using nouns. Start with prompts such as “I see a…” or “My favorite palace is… ” Guide them to use nouns correctly and celebrate their creativity!
Use Parts of Speech – 92 Common Noun Flip and Read Picture and Word Cards:
- Are you looking for engaging noun activities that teach common nouns and support reading and spelling development? Use these 92 “ready-to-go” flip-and-read flash cards for reading, writing, sorting, as story starters, or identifying common nouns! Aligned with the Science of Reading, they have been designed to support all learning … from the student who needs extra support in phonics to the average beginning reader or the child who can read the word and flip the card to check the graphic. What a great way to build ESL, ELL student’s vocabulary and understanding of the English Language! This is an amazing resource for parents!
Ask Questions to Spark Thinking!
- What is something you see at a grocery store? (e.g., “apple” or “candy.”)
- Who helps you when you feel sick ( e.g., “doctor” or “nurse.”)
- What is something soft that you sleep on? (e.g., “pillow” or “bed.”)
Fun Facts to Share with Kids:
Every time you say the name of something you can see 👀 or touch, 👆 you probably use a common noun! Learning to read and write is complicated!
Why it Matters
Understanding common nouns helps children build strong sentences and improve their communication skills. Learning about nouns can be simple and enjoyable with practice and playful activities.
Have fun spotting nouns everywhere you go!
Laurie
p.s. Did you check out the 92 Common Noun Flip and Read Resource?
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