For an easier challenge: -Instead of writing the child's full name, just write the first letter of their first name
For a trickier challenge: -Write the child's first and last name
Follow-Up Ideas
- You can change this activity so that you can go over shapes and numbers as well.
-Create an alphabet book using newspaper clippings. Have the students cut out different letters from newspapers, and then have them glue the letters to a piece of paper.
Originating Idea
Not all children learn through sight. Many, in fact, learn by touching and feeling their environment. By creating a project that has the child feel the different loops and lines in their names helps them learn how to write their name in the future.
How to Make It
The teacher should take the poster boards and cut them up so there is an equal-sized square per child. Then, the teacher should write the name of each child on each square. Next, the teacher will write over the name using her hot glue gun. She should let them cool on the counter the day before the activity. On the day of the activity, she should make a plate with the three different colors on it and place them in front of each chair at the table. Then she should place the name cards next to the paint.
How to Implement Activity
During circle time, the teacher's assistant should set up the activity as described above (the cards should have been made the night before). After circle time, the teacher will say, "We are going to paint with magic paint today! At the table there are cards and the magic paint! When you paint with the magic paint, you're going to find your name! Miss Shelby will help you find your card and get your apron on!" The the teacher will the student's names to go get their aprons and cards. The teacher's assistant will help the student put on their apron and find their seat. The students will sit at the table and start painting.
The children will use their fingers to paint on the board. They may begin with spreading the paint all over the plate before painting their card. Once they do start painting, they'll notice that the paint doesn't stay on the hot glue. They will run their fingers along the hot glue lines, and some may even recognize that it's their name. The children and teachers will talk about their names and the letters in their names, and could even talk about the different colors they are using.
Once the children have filled their cards with paint, the teachers will take the students one-by-one to wash their hands and arms, and remove their aprons. Then they will lead them to the carpet where they can enjoy some free play.