Name Game!

For the past few months (on and off) I have been trying to work with my students on recognizing their name in print. I know most are a little ways off from spelling it all on their own but it is important for them to recognize it when they see it. I've been better about it some days than others, I'll admit that for sure!

We try to take a few minutes during our morning Circle Time to play our name game. I have printed and laminated each of their first names, I spread out two or three at a time and have one of them come up and try to pick out their name from the group. If I know they are a little better at it than others I'll put down all names that start with the same letter as theirs but if they need help I usually give them hints or less names to choose from. I have several students that are starting to remember the name of the letter theirs starts with, too! Very exciting! If they don't get it-- that's okay too because I'll usually try and sneak in time with them later to find their name somewhere around the room or to write it down on their papers when they are paying attention. This way it doesn't seem stressful for them to try and learn it as quickly as others.

My next challenge is to make some printables using this free tracer website I found (in addition to the other one I posted) to send home and do at school to get them to start learning what it feels like to write their name and learn the letters. Two of my girls are spelling their own name without help now and are SO ready to start writing it! I can't wait to watch their progress. One of the many great things about preschool is the ability to take that Montessori approach of challenging them individually and no worries about grades or strict tracking!

P.S. I think it might be fun at home to laminate or put the printable in a clear view pocket, like you'd use in a binder, and use dry erase markers! This would add to the fun and no need to waste paper! :)