Materials
Pictures of objects that relate to the current theme (shapes, colors, action pictures)
Scissors
Glue
Construction paper
Laminate or clear contact paper
Instructions
1. There are so many opportunities to use children's names in written form in
the early childhood classroom. These are often the first words that a child
learns to read. Following are some ways to use their written names.
2. Write the children's names on their cubbies, artwork, mailboxes, portfolios,
job charts, bus lists, and so on.
3. Make each child a placemat using sturdy paper. Print the child's name and
encourage him to decorate it. Laminate the mats or cover them with clear
contact paper and store them in a zipper closure bag. Use the mats at snack
time.
4. Give each child a wooden clothespin with his name printed on both sides.
Use the pins to clip together boots, mittens, or unfinished paperwork.
5. The children can also use their pins as a "voting" device. Make a chart with
two columns and encourage the children to vote for their favorite cookie,
color, fruit, toy, and so on by clipping their pin on the appropriate side of the
chart. Change the heading to reflect what is being voted for.
6. Make a name sign for each child in the class. Call upon children for their
various activities by holding up their name sign. Of course if the child doesn't
recognize his name, you should help him (perhaps with a special sticker next
to the name). Before long the children will recognize not only their own
names, but they will be able to read many of their classmates' names.
More to do
Art: Following are some art projects using names. The children can:
Write their name using glue and then sprinkle it with glitter or colored rice.
Make a collage of their name by rolling little balls of tissue paper and gluing them
onto the name.
Form their name using clay, playdough, pipe cleaners, and so on.
Manipulatives: Make a name puzzle. Writing the child's name on a piece of
paper and encourage him to decorate it. Cut it into as many pieces as you think
appropriate, and see if the child can put it back together.
