First Name
Learning to recognize the different letters in the child's name
Instructions
- Write one letter that is in the child’s name - “e” from Debi - on a whiteboard/chalkboard. Select the letters in the name in mixed-up order. For example, start with "e", then "i", then "D" and finally "b"
- Say the letter sound as it is written - "e"
- Ask the child to point to that letter on the alphabet chart "e"
- Let child erase the letter while saying the name of the letter
- Repeat method with each letter in the child’s first name
Simplify
Write each letter in order from a child's name on the whiteboard one at a time while saying the sound the letter makes. The child erases the letter while saying the letter sound before the next letter is written. For example, for the name Debi - the adult writes "D" and says the sound. The child erases the letter "D" and says the sound of "D". Proceed to the next letter in the name - "e" for Debi.
For a child to learn their name they must first recognize the letters in their name, next spell aloud the letters in their name, and finally learn to write their name.
Extend
Using just an alphabet chart, let the child point to letters in his name and say aloud the sound of the letter. Use a child's first name and then proceed to letters in a child's last name.
Learning names is an important step in developing friendships. Encourage a child to call classmates, friends, and neighbors by their names.
QUESTIONS FOR CHILD
Why is it important to call people by their names?
If you could give everyone in your family a new name, what would you name each member and why?
Materials
- whiteboard board/chalkboard
- whiteboard markers/chalk
- alphabet chart (you can make your own) listing all the letters of the alphabet; click here for alphabet chart
Share This Activity
Curriculum Plan Resources
Skills Focus
- Shape - Heart
- Color - Review
- Number - Six, 6
- Alphabet Letters - H, P
- Senses - Hearing
- Character Trait - Honesty
- Target Words - Good-by, Many, Match, Why
Monthly Proverb
If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
Did You Know?
"Children with below average language skills can make rapid improvements if their parents take simple steps to change the way they interact with them." University of Sydney
Books to Read
"Museum ABC"
by Metropolitan Museum of Art (Activity 11)
"My Very First Book of Shapes"
by Eric Carle (Activity 2)
"Big Red Barn"
by Margaret Wise Brown (Activity 8)
"My Very First Book of Shapes" VIDEO
by Eric Carle (Activity 2)
"Big Red Barn" VIDEO
by Margaret Wise Brown (Activity 8)
"Museum ABC" VIDEO
by Metropolitan Museum of Art (Activity 11)
Music Playlist
"Old MacDonald Had a Farm"
by Countdown Kids Album 100 All Time Children’s Favorites (Activity 10)
"SalveRegina - Antiphona (tonus monasticus) in Honorem Beatae Mariae Virginias"
Album Salve Regina Gregorian Chant by Benedictine Monks of the Abby of Saint-Maurice & Saint-Maur, Clervaux (Activity 21)
"You’ll Be In My Heart"
by Phil Collins Album Tarzan (Movie Soundtrack) (Activity 18)
"Old MacDonald Had a Farm" VIDEO
by Countdown Kids 100 Silly Songs (Activity 10)
'SalveRegina - Antiphona (tonus monasticus) in Honorem Beatae Mariae Virginias" VIDEO
by Benedictine Monks of the Abby of Saint-Maurice and Saint -Maur, Clervaux (Activity 21)
"You'll Be In My Heart" VIDEO
by Phil Collins Tarzan Movie Soundtrack (Activity 18)
Monthly Materials List
Click Here to view the list!
Fingerplay / Poems / Songs
Up Down Turn Around
(Activity 14 Month 8)
Up, down
Turn around.
Touch the sky,
And touch the ground.
Wiggle fingers
Wiggle toes
Wiggle shoulders
And say "hello"
Up, down
Turn around
Touch the sky,
And touch the ground.
Pat your belly
Blink your eyes,
Blow a kiss,
And say “good-bye “
I Need To Be Honest
(Activity 13 Month 8)
I need to be honest
My mom and dad say
And telling the truth
Is just one way!
Why be honest
I ask mom and dad.
You will feel your best
When the truth is always said.