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I spend a lot of time working with students with their names. I would say after a week, most of my kids can recognize their names, but they do not know all of the letters in their name. As you know, I am a big fan of Jan Richardson. She recommends you start with student’s names because most students are familiar with the letters in their name. I put together a post with FREE resources, including centers activities, pocket charts, and crafts. You will just need to download some free fonts to type in your student’s names. I hope these help you to start your year off.
I created this name puzzle last year. You can type in student’s names and them build their name in order. I put these in an envelope and write their name on the outside, in case they do not know the order the letters go. You can also print two puzzles but only cut up one. Then, students can match letters. You can download this FREE HERE.
I love multi-sensory activities. Play dough is great for fine motor and kids enjoy it. I created this FREE NAME template. This template is used for the next few pictures. You will need to download the following FREE Fonts to type in the names.
Glitter Glue is amazing. When it dries, you can have kids run their finger over the smooth finish.
Recently, I shared FREE Push-Pin letter cards. This is the same idea with name practice. I bought the cork board at the Dollar Tree.
Letter matching is a great way to practice the names. If you have kids with longer names, you may need to tape two of these together. You could also have kids practice writing the letters with a dry erase marker.
I found these stickers at the Dollar Tree. They have several different 3D options that would work. Tactile helps student students to rememeber and store in their long term memory.
I am SO excited about this FREE Bus craft and Pocket Chart. I tried to create a craft that is easier for inexperienced hands at the beginning of the year. I have tried a few different Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Crafts, and they always end up to hard to cut. If you are worried about the letters, you could precut those. Your wheels may not be perfectly round, but that will just give it character. Hopefully, none of your kids will cut this one in half!!!! This is more than a craft and pocket chart activity, it is a great Back to School Assessment. Can a student cut? Can they write their name? Can they put the letters in their name in order? Do they know the first sound in their name? These are all GREAT starting points. Plus, it is a fun way for kids to get to know each others names. You can get this FREE HERE.
Back to School Word Work
Back to School Magnet Activities with Cookie Sheets and Muffin Tins
Beginning Sounds Word Work
Guided Reading Pre-A Activities
