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Why Grammar? Christian Worldview Many of us that attended government school were not taught that suffixes or word endings will frequently give a clue as to what part of speech a word may belong (e.g., noun, verb, adjective, adverb). Yet, this is a relatively simple way in which to easily recognize what part of speech a word may belong. Yet, not only does grammar teach us about the importance of suffixes, but there is a Christian worldview behind grammar that points us to our Lord.
Common Nouns
Common Noun Definition: The name of a particular person, place, thing or idea. Common nouns are not capitalized.
Examples: country, winter, car, river
Exercise
Verbally give as as many nouns as you can think of for the common nouns listed in the box. Do this as quickly as you can!
Example
jewelry store = rings, necklaces, broaches, beads, lockets, bracelets, anklets, wrist watches, pocket watches, clock fobs, tie clasps, (French) cufflinks, tie clips, gold, silver, chains, counters, cloths (to wipe the jewelry to make it shiney), cash register, clerk, lights, cleaner, etc.
| kitchen | bedroom | bathroom |
| frontroom | backyard | frontyard |
| church | grocery store | mall |
| parade | amusement park | restaurant |
| tools | car | library |
| ocean | forest | closet |
| toys | zoo | countries |
| doctor's office | veterinarian | sports |
| buildings | castle | museums |
| music store | pirates | farm |
Field Trip
In order for your scholar to really grasp the concept of common nouns, you may want to take several field trips to some of the places listed in the above box. Prior to going on the field trip, you may want to practice at home.
Examples:
Take your scholar into the kitchen. While s/he is standing there, have your scholar list off what s/he sees, e.g., stove, oven, ice box, counter, mixer, clock, faucet, sink, drawers, cupboard, mugs, dishes, flatware, plates, cups, saucers, cereal, fruit, vegetables, spices, timer, salt, pepper, microwave, bread machine, (coffee) pot, towels, dishcloths, dishwasher, etc.
Bathroom = tub, shower, toilet, curtain, floor, ceiling, sink, cabinet, towel, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, perfume, deodorant, etc.
Bedroom = bed, closet, shoes, clothes, slacks, toys, blanket, pillow, window, floor, hanger, etc.
As you are sitting in the car preparing to go on your field trip, have your scholar start to identify nouns s/he sees, e.g., dashboard, handle, lock, key, windshield, (steering) wheel, radio, pedal, etc. Next, as you drive, have your scholar identify nouns s/he sees while going to your field trip, e.g., cars, road, trees, flowers, birds, (license) plates, billboards, buildings, stores, police, accident (hopefully not, but it is a noun), signs, etc.
If you go to the mall, for example, take your scholar to different sections in a department store to identify the various nouns s/he sees. The linen department, for example, may have towels, washcloths, tablecloths, (napkin) rings, napkins, placemats, quilts, sheets, pillowcases, doilies, towels, runners, etc. Department stores offer many sections e.g., housewares, women/men/children sections, shoes, automotive, etc. Do not forget the specialized stores within a mall as they offer many opportunities to identify nouns.
Field trips to church, post office, fire department, police department, department of motor vehicles, zoos, restaurants, libraries, museums, amusement parks, etc. offer an almost endless variety of nouns to be identified.
Proper Nouns
Proper Noun Definition: The name of a particular person, place, thing or idea. Proper nouns are always capitalized.
In order to connect proper nouns with capitalization, over exaggerate the term proper. You may want to imitate a British accent while performing a courtesy or a bow.
Exercise
Verbally give as as many nouns as you can think of for the proper nouns listed in the box. Do this as quickly as you can!
Example
tyrants = Hitler, Mussolini, Nero, Caligula, Osama Bin Ladin, Augustus, Tiberius, Claudius, Julius Caesar, Arafat, Saddam Hussein, Napoleon, Ramses, Alexander the Great, Ivan the Terrible, King John, Blue Beard, Castro, Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, Lenin, Stalin, Mao Zedong
| heroes | authors | newspapers |
| cathedrals | magazines | books |
| fictional characters | holidays | weekdays |
| countries | museums | national landmarks |
| amusment parks | months | artists |
| composers | movies | nicknames |
| animal pet names | presidents | famous battles/wars |
| famous documents | planets | Bible characters |
| books of the Bible | Founding Fathers/ Mothers | apostles |
Activity
| What you will need: |
| 2 pieces of construction paper or 2 posters glue scissors old magazines that may be cut up markers |
Note: Frequently, old magazines may be picked up for free at the post office in a bin or from the public library.
On top of one piece construction paper or on the poster, take a color marker and write:
On top of the other piece construction paper or on the poster, take a color marker and write:
Recommendation: Allow your child to pick the marker colors. If your child is old enough to write the titles, let the child do so if s/he desires. Have your child go through old magazines cutting out pictures that apply specifically for each category, i.e., common noun or proper noun. Proudly display your childs grammar artwork in a prominent place in your home.
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