ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel TutoringHour What Are Common and Proper Nouns? | Common Nouns and Proper Nouns for Kids | Definitions & Examples
Welcome! I’m a friendly dragon here to help you learn about common and proper nouns. Let’s make learning fun and easy!
Let’s start with a simple idea. A common noun is a general name for a person, place, or thing. For example, “boy” is a common noun. But when we give that boy a special name, like “Oliver,” it becomes a proper noun. Proper nouns make things special by giving them specific names.
Here’s a girl. The word “girl” is a common noun. But if her name is “Scarlet,” then “Scarlet” is a proper noun.
See that cat over there? “Cat” is a common noun. Let’s name her “Fluffy.” Now “Fluffy” is a proper noun.
Look at that park. “Park” is a common noun. But if we call it “Horizon Park,” then “Horizon Park” is a proper noun.
There’s a car. “Car” is a common noun. If it’s a “Lamborghini,” then “Lamborghini” is a proper noun.
What about that big building? It’s a school. “School” is a common noun. But if it’s called “Pleasant Grove Elementary School,” then that’s a proper noun.
Let’s peek into a classroom. There’s a map showing seven continents. “Continents” is a common noun. But “North America” is a proper noun because it’s a specific continent.
See those mountains? “Mountains” is a common noun. But “The Rockies” is a proper noun because it’s a specific mountain range.
Here’s a river. “River” is a common noun. But “The Mississippi River” is a proper noun because it’s a specific river.
Look at the city. “City” is a common noun. But “Chicago” is a proper noun because it’s a specific city.
Now, let’s make you special! You need a name. How about “Sydney”? “Dragon” is a common noun, and “Sydney” is a proper noun. See how easy it is?
Here are two tricks to remember: Use a common noun for general things and a proper noun for specific things. Also, remember that a common noun is written in lowercase unless it starts a sentence, while a proper noun always begins with an uppercase letter.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be a noun expert in no time! Thanks for learning with me, and have a great day!
Name That Noun: Go on a noun hunt around your home or classroom. Find five objects and write down their common nouns. Then, give each object a special name to turn them into proper nouns. For example, if you find a “book,” you might name it “Harry Potter.” Share your list with a friend and see what creative names you both come up with!
Noun Sorting Game: Create two boxes or baskets labeled “Common Nouns” and “Proper Nouns.” Cut out pictures from magazines or draw your own pictures of different people, places, and things. Sort these pictures into the correct box. For example, a picture of a “dog” goes into the “Common Nouns” box, while a picture of “Snoopy” goes into the “Proper Nouns” box. Discuss with a partner why each picture belongs in its box.
Story Time Switch: Write a short story using only common nouns. Then, go back and replace some of the common nouns with proper nouns to make your story more exciting. For example, change “the girl went to the park” to “Emma went to Central Park.” Share your story with the class and notice how the proper nouns make your story more vivid and interesting!
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Welcome! I’m a dragon, and there’s nothing special about me. But don’t be sad! I’ll show you how to make things special, and while we’re at it, we will learn to differentiate between a common noun and a proper noun. Let’s get started!
That’s a boy. The word “boy” is a common noun, which is a general name given to a person, place, or thing. His name is Oliver. “Oliver” is a specific name given to this boy, making it a proper noun. So, the word “Oliver” makes the boy special, doesn’t it?
Look, that’s a girl. The word “girl” is a common noun. What’s her name? Her name is Scarlet. “Scarlet” is a proper noun.
What do you see there? A cat. The word “cat” is a common noun. Can we give it a name? We’ll call her Fluffy. “Fluffy” is a proper noun.
That’s my favorite park. The word “park” is a common noun. Can a park have a name? I’m sure this one does. There’s a signboard there. Let’s have a look. Ah, that’s Horizon Park. “Horizon Park” is a proper noun.
That’s a car. The word “car” is a common noun, but which car is it? It’s a Lamborghini. Now that’s a proper noun.
What’s that large building? That’s a school. The word “school” is a common noun. Wait, that board has a name on it. What’s it? Pleasant Grove Elementary School. Now that names a specific school. “Pleasant Grove Elementary School” is a proper noun.
I always wanted to go to school. Can we just peek into the classroom? Of course we can! There’s a world map there. There are seven continents. The word “continents” is a common noun. What continent is this? This is North America. “North America” is the name of a continent, making it a proper noun.
What do we have next? These are the mountains. The word “mountains” is a common noun, but which mountains are these? The Rockies. “The Rockies” is a specific name given to these mountains, making it a proper noun.
Let’s move on to our next example. This is a river, isn’t it? The word “river” is a common noun, but which river is this? This is the Mississippi River. “The Mississippi River” is a proper noun.
This is a busy city. The word “city” is a common noun, but what city is it? This is Chicago. “Chicago” is a proper noun.
Oh, the clock is ticking away, and I need to leave, but you promised to make me special, hadn’t you? Absolutely! That’s so simple. All you need is a name. Hmm, let me think of a name for you. Yes, you’re Sydney! That is your name.
I have a name too! “Dragon” is a common noun, and “Sydney” is a proper noun, right? Absolutely!
Before I wrap up, let me teach you two little tricks: Use a common noun if you want to talk about something in general, and use a proper noun if you need to be specific. There’s another important difference: A common noun is written in lowercase unless it starts a sentence, while a proper noun always begins with an uppercase letter.
Remember these little things, and visit www.tutoringhour.com to put your newfound knowledge to the test. Don’t forget to like and subscribe! Thanks for watching, and goodbye!
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This version maintains the educational content while removing any informal or unnecessary phrases.
