Preschoolers are very interested in anything that relates to themselves. They love to talk about themselves and see themselves in photos. They also love their names. For this reason, I have their names in many places in our classroom.
At circle and snack time, they must find their personal mats. At the beginning of the year, this can be a challenge for some. As the year progresses. friends will help other friends find their names. By the end of the year, they can identify their own names without help.
When it's time for small groups, the 3's look for their name card to see where they will be sitting.
Assigning them to their own hooks gives the preschoolers a sense of ownership. When they arrive in the morning, they find their names to hang their own hooks, placed at their level.
They place their snacks in their own personal cubbies in the hallway. At snacktime, they must once again find their names so they can retrieve their snack bags, and after snack, to put away.
We offer free-choice centers that involve writing and coloring, using stickers and scissors, or other fine-motor activities. We have more personal cubbies inside the classroom for them to put all their work, whenever it is completed. At first assistance is needed to locate these cubbies, but it doesn't take long for them to recognize their names.
Each day the 3's sign in by locating their name on a clipboard. They learn to first draw a line from left to right so show they have arrived. Later, they are encouraged to write their names, if they are ready.
Their birthday crowns are hung on the wall with their names below. As a child celebrates a birthday, the crown is removed. The preschoolers love to recognize the names, realizing who has had a birthday and who is still waiting.
The 3's have their own journals with their names on the covers.
Artwork is labeled with their names as well. I can't tell you how many times they stop at the bulletin boards and point out their names, and then notice where their friends' artwork is as well.
We do a lot of activities that include finding the letters in our names. At the sensory table, Sawyer found the letters in his name.
We do a lot with letter tiles. They be used in so many different activities. I try to keep at least one jar of letter tiles in the reading corner at all times.
What makes me smile most is when someone sees a letter and calls out, "Hey, that in MY name!" The beginning of letter recognition! And then, "That's MY name!" The beginning of word recognition.
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I like your idea of having the children sign themselves in! I may have to try that idea to encourage fine motor skills, name recognition, and just giving writing a try - Lord knows some of mine avoid writing like the plague.
ReplyDeleteAnd it gives them a feeling of independence, walking into the classroom and finding their name. They are so proud! A few times we have forgotten to put it out and they were quick to remind us.
DeleteI need to start using Axle's name more around the house! He doesn't go to preschool but we do tot school at home. He's just getting ready to turn 2 but it never hurts to expose them to "fun learning" early! These are some great ideas, thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes! You could add other labels, too. I try to have as much labeled in the classroom as I can (table, door, wall, etc.). That can easily be done at home as well. You'd be amazed how much my youngest 2's recognize. No pressure, no flash cards, no workbooks. Just part of their environment.
DeleteI love these ideas! My 2 year old is suddenly so interested in her name. We've been spelling it in block towers and with letters on the firdge. I am going to borrow your idea to hide the letters of her name in her sensory box.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to the site via pinterest. I taught one year of special ed pre-k before becoming a developmental therapist in the early intervention program. What a great blog! Thank you for sharing all your ideas!
Thank you, Megan! It's so fun to tap into their interests and build on it. There are so many wonderful ideas using names in activities! Enjoy! And, thank you for letting me know how you found me. Now that Facebook will only show my posts to 20% of my friends, I am hoping more will find me through Pinterest. I appreciate your feedback!
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ReplyDeleteI love the idea of them signing themselves in! My oldest in my 2's class loves to help his mom fill out his form when she signs him in. I'd love to somehow alter this so it would work with my kids.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find a way that works! :)
DeleteGreat ideas. We also have many ideas and blog posts to promote fine motor skills. Visit us and let me know if you like them.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I will!
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