Start Writing My Name

Letter and name recognition are early literacy milestones for young children. This activity provides creative engagements in tactile and kinesthetic learning.

• 1.

  <b><i>3-D names.</b></i> Children use Crayola® Model Magic to create the letters of their names. Observe the use of upper- and lower-case letters, variations in name lengths, similarities in letters in names, and other letter and word characteristics.

• 2.

  Design decorative patterns on Model Magic letters with beads or other craft materials. Dry 24 hours.

• 3.

  <b><i>2-D names.</b></i> When children have the interest and sufficient muscle control to begin writing, use Crayola Write Start Colored Pencils or Construction Paper Crayons to make personal name plates by writing their own names on white paper.

• 4.

  Embellish names with colorful patterns or repeated lines. Or use crayon rubbings to add texture to the letters or background. Place the paper on a textured surface and rub with the pencil or side of a crayon with the paper wrapper removed.

• 5.

  Mat the name plates on larger pieces of construction paper with Crayola Washable Glue Sticks.

Benefits

• Children recognize the shapes and sounds of alphabet letters in their names.
• Children engage in tactile and kinesthetic learning as they create their names in three dimensions and then, as they are ready, write their names in two dimensions.
• Students gain an appreciation for individual differences and grow in their self-esteem as they develop literacy and art skills.

Adaptations

• Model Magic letters can be used to play sorting games, matching games with upper- and lower-case letters, and phonics games. Some children may be so interested, they will want to create a whole alphabet.
• Younger children and those with special needs may be most successful if they have samples of their names to follow. Older students can make more challenging "overstuffed" outline or cursive letters.
• Hang name plates on a school bulletin board, on children's cubbies, or at home.