Name cards are something you’ll definitely
want to make for your classroom when school starts.
Why? name
recognition; reading skills; print connections; classroom management
What? sentence
strips cut in 8” sections; photos of children, stickers,
markers,
box or basket
How? Write
each child’s name on a card and glue their picture on
the
right as shown. Store the name
cards in a box or basket.
Use
the name cards in the activities below:
Hint! As
children become familiar with their names, let them
choose
a symbol or sticker to replace their photo. During the
next
stage, write each child’s name using a different color for
the
first letter in their name.
Finally, just use cards with the
children’s
names.
When?
Use name cards for a variety of activities throughout the school year.
Transitions: Pull names to
line up, answer questions, go to centers, etc.
Sign In: Place
name cards by a large sheet of paper.
Each day
when
children come to school they can find their card and
write
their name on the chart.
Helpers: Choose
names for special jobs, to sit by the teacher, etc.
Writing Center: Keep
cards in the writing center so children can use their
friends’ names to write stories, notes, etc.
Word Wall: Attach Velcro
to the back of cards and use for interactive activities on the word wall.
Mystery Name:
Choose one child’s name each day and place it in
an envelope. Give clues about the
consonants and vowels in
the name. For example, “This
person’s name has one vowel
and it is in the middle.” Write an
“a” on the envelope. “Whose
name could it be? This name has a
/t/ sound at the end.” Write a “t” on the envelope. “Anybody guess whose name
this might be? There is a /p/ at
the beginning of this name.” Write a “P” on the envelope. “Stand up if this is your name.” Pull the name card from the envelope to
verify.
Grouping: Pull two
names at a time for partner activities.
You could also
choose name cards for small group activities.
Seating: Place
cards on the rug before circle time.
Children find their name and sit in that
spot. (The cards can be used in a
similar manner for snack or table activities.)
Little
Red Box - Cover a small box with red paper and put name cards in the box. Pull one
name at a time out of the red box and sing to this song to the tune of "Polly Wolly Doodle."
I wish I had a little red box
To put my child’s name in.
I’d take him/her out and go
kiss, kiss, kiss, (smack in the
air)
And put him back again.
…Continue singing each child’s
name.
