common and proper nouns domino game
The domino game helps kids practise common and proper nouns in a fun way.
Resources to download and print
how to play
It's a fun matching game for 2 - 4 players (or teams), very simple to play, designed to help kids learn English common and proper nouns, as well as remember when to use capital letters. In the game, players match tiles (text/picture) and get rid of their dominoes in order to win.
- Mix up domino tiles and place them all face down on the table.
- Players draw domino tiles at random and stands them in front of them so that their opponent cannot see them.
- If two kids are playing, each player takes seven tiles. If three or four kids are playing, each player takes five tiles. The remaining dominoes form the draw pile.
- Choose one kid that will begin. He or she places one of their dominoes on the table.
- The next player must then place a matching domino next to the first one.
- For example, if the first player started the game with the tile Maya / squirrel, Dale, the next player must play a domino that has Dale / bunny, Bugs Bunny.
- Throughout the game, players can match a domino to any one of the two open ends of the trail. When a player cannot match an end, they take a domino from the draw pile.
- Continue taking turns putting dominoes on the table until someone wins. The winner is the first kid to get rid of all of their dominoes.
how to extend the game
There are several ways to extend the game, and you are welcome to add your own ideas. Here are some suggestions to inspire you.
- Kids read the text aloud, then match it with the right picture.
- Kids say the name of the object they are matching.
- Kids answer the questions, for example, Do you see any proper nouns? Which one is a common noun? Why is the word Dale capitalized here?
- Kids use the common or proper nouns to make the sentences.
- If they can't say it in English, they can't put the domino down and miss the turn.
preparation
- Print out domino cards (tiles). Laminate for future use.
- Cut out the individual cards so that there is a picture at one end and a text at the other end. Learn more how to prepare our domino tiles (pdf).
- Before playing the game revise or pre-teach the names of all the items on the cards.
ideas for classroom games
- Depending on your needs and goals, you can use these cards in many ways to play a variety of simple games.
- You are welcome to add your own ideas. For some suggestions, check out our 22 Flashcards Games handbook (pdf).
PDF resources
Terms of use
Classroom games
Recources for learning
Flashcards and posters to teach English common and proper nouns.
Resources for practising
Fun, challenging activities to practise English common and proper nouns.
All printables
