The Idea
Introduce the concept of nouns by going on a treasure hunt in the house. In the younger years, all grammar work needs to start tangible, not abstract. Don’t ask your child to point out a noun in a piece of writing until they have a firm grasp on what it is.
The Execution
Ways to make a Noun Collection:
Gather a pillowcases full of nouns
Find nouns in a certain room (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom)
Find nouns in a certain category (person, place, thing)
Find nouns in a certain activity (basketball, swimming goggles)
Once a child understands the concept of a noun, Noun Collections can be made on paper:
Find nouns in a favorite book.
Find nous in a favorite song.
Find nouns that start with a certain letter.
A box of nouns from the playroom.
Things To Do with a Noun Collection*:
Draw a picture
Create a book of pictures (Book of Nouns, Book of Verbs, etc)
Dictate list to mom
Copy/write list
Create a book of lists
Write a poem using the list
Write a story using the list
*Depends on the skill level and interest of the child
A bedroom Noun Collection used as copywork.
The Extension
Use Noun Collecting to learn about other noun concepts:
Find plural or collective nouns.
Find common nouns and list their proper names.
Find abstract nouns in a poem or song (love, truth, honor)
A list of common and proper nouns dictated to Mom.
Eclectic Ed 