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By Suzie Hill, M. Ed.
Pronouns are words that take the place of common and proper nouns in a sentence. No matter how simple this seems, getting students to understand and be able to apply this knowledge is not always so easy. Here are a few fun ideas for teaching pronouns in the classroom that are sure to keep your students actively engaged.
When introducing any of the activities, have a readily available list, similar to the one below, of pronouns for students to use as a reference.
Personal |
Possessive |
Relative |
Reflexive |
Personal pronouns are used in place of a common or proper noun.
Example: He is not staying. |
Possessives show ownership.
Example: This is his book. |
A relative pronoun links two pronouns into one complete thought or statement.
Example: Bob is the man who built this house.
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Reflexives are used when the object of the sentence is the same as its subject. Each personal pronoun has its own reflexive pronoun.
Example: I did not want to hurt myself . |
I
me
he
she
it
him
her
you
we
they
them
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his
hers
its
yours
ours
theirs
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who
whose
that
which
whoever
whichever
whatever
whom
what
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myself
yourself
himself
herself
ourselves
themselves
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Classroom Activities
Activity 1: Pronoun Substitution
Materials: Various objects (balls, blocks, books, games), pictures of proper nouns (famous people, places, and things), sentence strips, writing instruments (pens, pencils, markers, crayons), and chart paper or notebook paper.
- Place objects and pictures around the room where students can easily see them.
- Number each object/picture and have a sentence strip for each object/picture that either describes or begins a story about the object/picture. For example, with a soccer ball you might write on the sentence strip, "Michael likes to kick the soccer ball."
- Have students rewrite the sentence using the appropriate pronouns. For example, "He likes to kick it."
- After all students have a chance to write several sentences/paragraphs using appropriate pronouns, allow some time for them to share and identify aloud the pronouns they have on their papers.
Extension Activities:
- For older students, or after students are beginning to master pronouns, have students use the sentences as a writing prompt and continue writing a paragraph or essay using appropriate nouns and pronouns.
- Put items in bins around the room and set up "stations" so that students are able to move around the room and write.
- If you have access to a SMART® Board or Promethean® Board, simply display the objects/pictures and sentences on the board.
Activity 2: Pronoun Find
Materials: Photographs and/or pictures cut out from magazines, writing paper, and pencils, pens, or markers.
- Allow students to choose several pictures and/or photographs. Have them write one sentence describing the photograph/picture using nouns and one picture describing the same photograph/picture using pronouns.
- Have students pair up and read their sentences aloud to each other. Have them tell each other the pronouns that can replace the nouns.
Extension Activities:
- For older or more advanced students, have them write paragraphs or essays using the same format as the sentences.
- Have students discuss when it is appropriate to use pronouns. For example, you would not use a pronoun to begin a story or paragraph because the reader would not know to whom the writer is referring.
Activity 3: Pronoun Identification
Materials: A piece of writing to read aloud that uses many pronouns.
- For a fun way to review pronouns, read aloud to the whole class from a book or magazine.
- Instruct students to clap their hands every time they hear you say a pronoun.
Extension Activity:
- For older or more advanced students, choose a different action for each type of pronoun. For example, clap for personal pronouns, snap for possessive pronouns, stomp for relative pronouns, and wave for reflexive pronouns.
Related Handy Handouts®:
- 294 – Parts of Speech
- 233 – Teaching the Fundamentals of Grammar and Syntax at Home
Resources
Burgess, R. (2000). Laughing Lessons: 149 2/3 ways to make teaching and learning fun . Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit.
Tate, M. (2005). Worksheets don't build dendrites . Thousand Oaks, CA. |