Maple Avenue Elementary

Your child's name(s) is the most important word(s) to them. Learning their name leads to many other types of learning. There are three important stages in teaching a child their name. The three stages are:

1. Recognization: Children begin to recognize the shape of the first letter of their name and often identify that letter as "my name!" They will begin to notice their first letter in other places (other than their names) and say "Look, thats my name!" even if it is just the one letter.  In our classroom, we can do many things to allow students to begin to recognize their own name. We label many things with their name and picture so that they can begin to take ownership of that very important word. 

2. Spelling: After a child is able to recognize their name, they can begin to learn to spell it. They may be able to spell it orally with or without looking at their name. They will also begin to notice each letter. They can count how many letters spell their name. 

3. Writing: When a child is comfortable with recognizing and spelling their name, he or she can begin to "pratice" writing it. Keep in mnd that drawing scribbles, circles, and lines are all great examples of early writing skills. It is important to give your child many opportunities to "write" their name. They may use sideewalk chalk, markers, paint, writing in shaving cream, etc. These are just a few example. When they are practicing writing their name they are also working on strengthing their hand musles and fine motor skills. 

Here are a few simple activities that you can do with your child: 

Making My Name

My Name, My Things

Names Are Important

Do you have shaving cream at home? Shaving cream is good "messy" fun that is motivating for reluctant writers to improve their fine motor skills and letter formation. Just put a small pile in front of them and let them create whatever they would like! Bonus.....it acts as a cleaning agent as well!  Send me pictures of them having fun!