What Are Expanded Noun Groups?

As teachers, we encourage our students to be as descriptive as possible in their writing. One way to be more descriptive is to use expanded noun groups. Expanded noun groups are phrases that describe a head noun using multiple adjectives. But there’s a catch! When using adjectives to describe nouns, there are rules that must be followed in regards to adjectival order! This is called the ‘Royal Order of Adjectives’. When adjectives are placed in the wrong order before a noun, the noun group sounds… well…. wrong!

In this sorting activity, students are presented with a range of noun groups containing multiple adjectives. Their task is to decide whether the order of adjectives is correct or incorrect, then place the card under the matching sort heading. This helps reinforce students’ knowledge of how adjectives describing quantity, opinion, size, age, shape, colour, origin, material and purpose should appear in conventional order.

This expanded noun group sorting activity downloads as a full-colour PDF or editable Google Slides file. It contains:

• Instruction page
• 2 x sort headings (Correct and Incorrect)
• 24 x expanded noun group cards
• Recording sheet 
• Answer key 

Classroom Games to Reinforce Expanded Noun Phrases

This expanded noun phrases sorting activity can also be used for a variety of whole-class games to engage your students in their learning. Here are some ideas for how you might use these cards in your classroom:

• Human Sort – Label one side of the classroom ‘Correct’ and the other side as ‘Incorrect’. Read out one of the expanded noun group cards. Have the students move to one side of the classroom. After everyone has moved, review as a class and discuss why the expanded noun phrase is correct or incorrect.
• Relay Race – Split the students into two teams. Place the expanded noun phrases cards at one end of the classroom and the two sort labels at the other. One student from each team runs to pick a card, reads it aloud and then races to place it under the correct sort heading. The next teammate repeats the process. The first team to sort all their cards correctly wins!
• Show Me! – Provide students with mini whiteboards and whiteboard markers. Choose a noun phrase card and read it aloud. Students must write either ‘Correct’ or ‘Incorrect’ on their whiteboards. After everyone has written their response, say “Show Me!” Quickly scan responses, then pick a few students to explain their choices. Points could be awarded for correct answers.

Download to Explore Examples of Noun Groups

Are you ready to get your hands on these examples of noun groups? Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the printable PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides file before accessing it.

We recommend printing this resource on cardboard for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access, and you’re ready to go!

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More for Teaching Expanded Noun Groups

If you’re keen for more resources to use when teaching expanded noun groups to your students, then you’re in luck! Click below for more teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources to complement your English planning.

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