A common noun names any person, place, animal or thing, such as girl, dog or hat. A proper noun is the special name of one of them, such as Maya, Rex or Monday, and it starts with a capital letter. Telling them apart is the first step to knowing when a capital letter is needed. On this grade 1 worksheet each line is a short sentence with exactly one proper noun and one common noun, and your child circles one word from a row of words in the sentence.
Odd-numbered versions ask for the proper noun and even-numbered versions ask for the common noun, so each sheet asks one question from top to bottom. Ask your child: is it the special name of one?
What your child will learn
Tell a proper noun from a common noun
Know that a proper noun is the special name of one
Spot names of people, pets and days
Find the noun in a short sentence
Common Core standard: L.1.1.B
Worked example
Maya has a red hat. Maya is the special name of one girl, so it is a proper noun. Hat is a general name, so it is a common noun.
Common mistake
Choosing the first noun in the sentence, or thinking a day of the week is a common noun.
Helpful hint
Ask: is it the special name of one person, pet or day, or a name for any one?