My Name Is

The ability for toddlers to recognize letters and beginning sounds starts early. The key factor is to introduce few letters at a time, preferably one at a time, through fun and engaging activities.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

- Cardstock name cards with large, clear font.

- Washable markers or crayons.

- Trays of salt or sand for tactile tracing.

- Glue sticks and pre-cut construction paper letters.

- Small mirrors for self-observation.

Learning Objectives

- Recognize the visual representation of their own name.

- Identify the first letter of their name.

- Demonstrate fine motor control through tracing or letter placement.

- Verbalize their name clearly during group interaction.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children in a circle and hold up a mirror, asking each child to look at themselves and say their name aloud.

2. Present each child with their own name card written in a simple, bold font.

3. Model the sound of the first letter of your own name, then ask children to repeat the first sound of their names.

4. Invite Level 1 students to trace their name cards using their fingers in a tray of salt to build muscle memory.

5. Guide Level 2 students to use markers to trace over the letters on their cards, focusing on left-to-right progression.

6. Challenge Level 3 students to arrange pre-cut paper letters to spell their names independently on a blank sheet of paper.

7. Circulate the room to provide assistance, ensuring students hold their writing tools with a comfortable grip.

8. Encourage students to decorate the border of their name paper to foster a sense of personal ownership.

9. Conclude the activity by having each child present their finished work to a partner, stating their name clearly.

10. Display the completed name art at the child's eye level to reinforce word recognition throughout the week.

Educator Tip

If a child struggles with letter formation, focus on the initial letter rather than the full name. You can also provide a highlighter to write the name first, allowing the student to trace over your marks to build confidence and accuracy.

Assessment

- Observe if the child can correctly identify their own name card from a small group of options.

- Note the child's ability to sequence letters in the correct order.

- Record whether the child can verbally state their name and identify the starting letter sound.

Educator tip

Reinforce individual identity by discussing the meaning or origin of each child's name if known.

Assessment

Check for verbal name recognition, letter identification, and participation in name-based discussion.

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