To a child, there is nothing more important than his or her own name. Using student names to teach letter recognition is a very powerful teaching tool. Names are very meaningful to children, therefore they are eager to learn to identify the letters in their own names first; it is very empowering and motivating for them. A child who is motivated and feels empowered about his or her own learning is going to learn more quickly and retain more than a child who is not.
- Bingo Dot First Letter: Because their first letter is the one they will most likely learn first, have students use Do-A-Dot makers to stamp over the first letters of their names. (pictured at top)
- Rainbow Names: This one is simple, just write the names in large print on a large sheet of paper and have them trace over it with many different colored crayons.
- Watercolor Names: Using a white crayon write student’s names on a piece of white construction paper. When students paint over the writing with watercolors their names will magically appear.
- Glue Names: This picture shows a student who has made his name by gluing little squares of paper (pasting pieces) with letters printed on them in the correct order. You could also write student names on a piece of construction paper and use colored glue to trace over it, the end result being a raised name they could touch and feel.
- Name Books: Using student names and pictures in a class book is a great way to motivate your students to read and recognize letters in their friend’s names. For more examples of how to use student names and pictures visit the Class Books page.
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