Writing names is one of the most important things a teacher can teach a Pre-K student. There are many different tools, art media, and sensory experiences to practice this important kindergarten readiness skill. It won't happen overnight, but with practice every day, most students leave kindergarten writing their names. These are name writing activities for kids a fantastic place to start!
1. Rainbow writing of names
An easy way to help students practice is to write rainbow names. Write each student's name on the sentence strip. The student uses markers to trace each letter, over and over again, to create a "Rainbow Name". When the name is complete, the teacher can glue the strip together to create a name hat!
2. Bingo Daubers
Just because a student hasn't mastered the pincer grip doesn't mean they can't start practicing writing names. Bingo markers are an easy way for students to paint their names with dots. This helps them get a feel for letter shapes and builds letter recognition.
3. Dry erase marks
An economical way to practice writing is with dry-erase markers. Print a sheet for each student and place it in a plastic page protector. Provide students with a dry erase marker to trace the letters of their name and an old clean sock to use as an eraser. When finished, place the tag inside the sock and place both pieces in the page protector for easy storage. This method can be used for various name writing activities and more!
4. Water colors
Students love using art supplies! So why not use art supplies for name writing activities? Filling in each letter with watercolors allows students to recognize the letters of their names.
5. Writing the name of the sensory stack
Sensory trays such as rice, salt, flour or sand are a great way for preschoolers to practice writing their names. Another benefit of adding sensory learning is using more of their brains and helping to consolidate the letters they are learning.
6. Push Pin Letters
Students must have a basic knowledge of letters to write their names. A fun way to practice the letters in their names is to use large pins and carpet squares. Write the letters of each child's name on colored cardstock using a wide marker. Students place the page on the carpet square and push the dots through the path of the letter. (*Check proper use of materials before exercise to ensure safety.)
7. Shaving cream
Writing letters with shaving cream (or whipped cream) is another excellent sensory-rich way to exercise. It's messy, so make sure students wear protective coats. Even if they don't make letters, movements like the swirls pictured below are an excellent pre-writing exercise.
8. Doodle Magna
A great addition to the writing center is the Doodle Pro writing toy set. Students are love to playfulness of this type of practice and gain valuable practice in the process.
9. Keep it practical
It is essential that preschoolers write for real purposes. Students can create waiting lists in the classroom whenever there is a line of children wanting to use a toy, center or bike. Even if the name writing is not very legible, students can identify their names and begin to understand the purpose of writing in an authentic way.
10. Writing at home
It is also important for parents to realize the importance of having writing materials (pencils, crayons, pens and markers) readily available at home. A small pack of stationery – like some mini notepads and silly pens – makes a great gift too!