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In an early childhood classroom, learning how to write your name is a big deal. Making name writing practice fun and engaging is crucial in encouraging our students to learn this essential skill. Today I want to share with you 3 simple and effective ways to practice name writing in Pre-K, TK, and Kindergarten!
*For even more teacher tips and how to create a playful learning environment in your classroom, be sure to join us in P.L.A.Y. (Playful Learning All Year)!
These quick and easy-prep ways to work on name writing are ones that you can add to your classroom routines fairly easily!
They focus on name WRITING vs. name recognition. For tons of activities to practice name recognition all year long, be sure to grab our Name Games & Activities Bundle!
One simple way for our students to practice writing their names is by having students sign in each morning when they arrive. I like using a vertical surface for this task. An easel works great because you can adjust the height of it to make it work for the size of your students. This gives them daily practice and is great for building wrist and finger strength.
At the beginning of the year, I often just have kiddos write the first letter of their name, especially if they are new writers. Making this a daily routine is a great way to have consistency at the start of your student’s day.
Another way for our students to practice writing their names is by learning and tracing one letter at a time. I like to use a highlighter as a guide instead of traditional dotted tracing lines. This makes it easier for kiddos to see and stay on top of the highlighted letter.
Pay attention to the letters students need to work on in their name (it’s often not all of them) and work on those in isolation. Start with one letter of their name, then gradually increase to more. Later on, you can begin removing the highlighter for some letters until they don’t need it anymore.
Remember that writing for our students is hard work. Chunking their name into smaller parts makes this process more attainable for them.
Lastly, another fun way to practice name writing is to have students sign up for turns during centers. This gets them writing their name in a different context and gives it meaning in a different way vs. “name on your paper and belongings.”
This routine also helps with overcrowding at popular centers without additional intervention from you. It’s a win-win situation!
*Bonus Tip: “Messy” writing isn’t always fixed by more writing. It’s better for students to write their name correctly ONCE than messy 4 times. More is not always better.
And remember, often in Pre-K, TK, and Kindergarten, our students are just learning to hold and maneuver their pencils properly. Build up those fine motor muscles in other ways and you will see it transfer to writing!
(even if you “aren’t allowed to play”)
If you’re wanting to incorporate playful learning, free-flowing centers, effective routines, and more in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom, then you’ll definitely want to join us in P.L.A.Y. (Playful Learning All Year)!
This course is a deep dive into practical ways that you can create a playful learning environment in your classroom. Be sure to request an invitation so you’re the first to hear when the virtual doors open!
