10 Creative Name Recognition Ideas

Every year I try to think of creative ways to display the childrens names so the children in my class can learn to identify their name and begin to write their name. I always have name cards available but I like to incorporate their names into every area of the classroom in as many ways as possible. It is amazing how quickly they learn their own names, their friends names and identify the letters that make up the various names. 

1. PIPE CLEANER PEOPLE WITH NAME BEADS

These are my favourites!! They can be used anywhere and stimulate so many play scenarios.

2.LEAF NAMES

I have a big basket of these that are currently in the writing area but I have put them in the block area and on the discovery table with some branches and pegs.

3.PEG NAMES

This is a good fine motor and letter recognition activity.

4.POP STICK CANDLE NAMES

A very quick and inexpensive idea for the playdough table.

5.ROCK NAMES

These are great for the water trolley and sand tray.

6.MAP WITH NAME HOUSES

This was a lot of messy fun!!! The children drove the cars in paint and drove their car around the map and tried to find their house. They also started reading their friends names and had great fun visiting their friends and parking at each other's houses.

7.GINGERBREAD PEOPLE WITH PHOTO FACES AND LABLES

The  gingerbread children are spread out on a table on arrival and they try to find their name tag and put it on their body. They are very cute- sorry I can't show you their faces.

8.BEAN BAGS WITH NAMES

These can be used both inside and outside in so many ways.

9.WOODEN PEOPLE WITH NAMES

Once again, these are very versatile and are great in the sand, blocks, playdough and drawing area. These need a bit of decoration by the children.

10. SHELL NAMES

I have used these mainly on the wonder table and in the water trolley.

Do you like any or all of these ideas and do you think you might give some a try?

See you next Tuesday

Niccola

Maths In The Playground

Counting 1-10

I wrote the numbers 1-10 on plastic cups and plastic spoons and the children matched the numbers. They were then encouraged to spoon the correct number of spoonfuls into their cup. This quickly turned into a cooking game and we were all imagining delicious food being counted!!

This was quick to set up, very inexpensive and could be used for anything, in any area of the house or classroom.

Weighing

My lovely father-in-law made this for me as I thought this would add another dimension to our sand play, and it has been fantastic. In our sandpit, we have had children from my class which are 3 year olds up to 5 and 6 year olds, using the scales. All children have enjoyed it and of course, used it quite differently.

We used water and sand in the scales.

We used bark in the scales.

We used nuts in the scales.

Recognising the Numbers 1-5

I have done this a lot in the outdoor area as it is quick, simple and the children love it.

I write the numbers with chalk on the paving for children to identify, trace over, jump on and talk about.

Sometimes I write them in order, sometimes I mix up the order or count backwards.

Matching Colours and Pairs

I cut out some socks and undies out of felt for the children to wash and iron outside. This is always fun and all of the children loved this. I had to explain what an iron was which I thought was funny!

If you would like to order a set of scales for your sandpit and you live locally, please leave me a comment.

Have fun outside!

Niccola

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

This week, I thought that I would share with you my classes favourite story. It is a sung story from the Playschool series and I draw the story as it is sung. I started doing this years ago when I first started teaching 3 and 4 year olds because I had some children that spoke very little English and others that found it hard to concentrate when a book was being read.

This story/song/ hand drawn combination keeps them captivated and it is always a favourite.

I made a YouTube clip so you can use it in your classroom, child care or home.

I hope your children love it as much as mine have.

Niccola