This game is an excellent teaching and memory tool. The first student begins by saying, "I am going on a trip and I am bringing a (blank)." He then states a noun that begins with the letter "A." The next student repeats the phrase including the noun representing the letter "A" and adds a noun beginning with the letter "B." The game may be played with rules similar to those of a spelling bee. Students unable to name a noun or remember the progressive list are eliminated from play. The game is finished when the alphabet is completed.
Add a twist to the popular card game. Use index cards to prepare sets of matching common and proper nouns. For instance, "Black Beauty" and "book" would constitute a correct match. Lay the cards face down on a table or floor. Students take turns choosing two cards. If a match is revealed, the student must use the words in a sentence. The student keeps the pair as a score and is allowed to choose again. The game is complete when all of the cards have been paired. The student who collects the most cards wins the game.
This activity helps students identify nouns and encourages interest in current affairs. The activity can be done individually or in small groups. Each student or group is given an age-appropriate newspaper or magazine article. The student divides a sheet of paper into three sections, labeling the sections singular, plural and possessive. The student lists the nouns in the article under the appropriate section of the chart.
Each student in class creates a drawing of a person, a place and a thing. Each student places his three drawings on one poster board or large sheet of paper that represents a city or town. Once all of the pictures are in place, he may add roads, sidewalks or other items to complete "Noun Town."
Each student is given a sheet of paper to write on. The teacher reads a short story or a poem to the class. As the student listens, he makes a list of the nouns mentioned. Make the activity a contest: The student with the longest correct list wins.