Last week we learned about Proper Nouns in Literacy. We play fun games when we learn Proper Nouns. Games that clearly do not teach them anything.

For example:

Me: I am going to name a common noun, a person, place or thing that is just regular. You need to give me an example of a special kind of that common noun that has a capital letter. Like, if I said, girl you would say Sarah. Okay? Name a kind of truck (4 rough and tumble boys and two girly-girls, I thought I was starting easy).

T-man: pick-up

Me: good start, but that’s not a name, that is a type. Anyone else?

Smart boy: garbage

Me: Still not quite. Does anyone have a truck at home? What is the name of the truck?

*crickets*

Girly-girl: I know one. Hess. A Hess truck.

Me: Okay. Let’s move on. How about the kind of car your mom drives?

Smart boy: Mini-van.

Me: Not quite. How ’bout the name of the mini-van?

Smart boy: I got nothing.

We moved onto stores and resturaunts. They are better at that.