Capitalization in writing serves a few purposes, namely: 

1. Let us know when a new sentence begins. 
2. To show us which words are especially important. 

Through this activity, students will show that they understand the rules for when to capitalize appropriate words and how to use their editing skills to fix text mistakes.

Turn Early Writers Into Editors With Our Capitalization Task Cards

Students will read the text on the card and record the word in the sentence that needs capitalization, namely:

• Proper nouns
• The pronoun ‘I’
• Beginning of a sentence

An answer key is included with your download so that students can self-check their work before moving on to a new task card. 

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

• Challenge students who already understand the concept to categorize the cards into groups based on whether they mention holidays, professions, geographical places, etc. 
• Support students who need help understanding the concepts by reviewing the cards in small groups or through content interventions. Break up the task cards by assigning students specific capitalization errors to look for, such as only the ‘I’ pronoun or the first words in sentences.
  
• Students might also benefit by working with more proficient partners to complete the task cards together.

One Set of Capitalization Task Cards, Endless Learning Opportunities

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers and as an exercise with your guided small group or whole class to reinforce common capitalization rules. 

🛴 Scoot Activity

Place the task cards around the room in numerical order and instruct students to number a sheet of paper 1-24. Assign each student or pair a number to start. Give students an appropriate amount of time to read the card and write the words that need capitalization in the corresponding space on their paper. On your cue, students will rotate to the next card. Continue in this manner until students have made it through all of the cards. 

✍️ Show Me!

Give each student a mini dry-erase board and a dry-erase marker. Project a task card and have students rewrite the sentence with corrected capitalization. When everyone has written down their answer, say, “Show Me.” Students will flip their boards, allowing you to see who needs extra support.

🔔 Bell Ringer Activity

Project a task card for your students to see as soon as they enter the classroom. On a piece of paper, have students rewrite the sentence with the corrected capitalization and turn it in at the start of class.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Cut and slip cards into dry-erase sleeves to create a sustainable activity for your classroom writing center. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the color or black and white printable PDF version of this resource. Answer cards are also included with this download.

Make sure students leave your classroom proficient in their capitalization skills by including these activities and resources in your lesson: 

teaching resource

SPLAT! Capitalization Card Game

Practice capitalizing the pronoun I, the names of people, and the beginning letter in sentences with our set of 20 capitalization game cards.

teaching resource

Editing for Capitalization Worksheets

Show mastery of capitalization rules by reviewing 3 short pieces of text and editing all words with missing capital letters.

teaching resource

Capitalization Worksheet - Months, Days, Holidays, Titles, Places

A worksheet to practice proper capitalization.