Does your child know how to write his or her own name? If not, no worries because these 5 name writing practice tips are going to help you get started. Name writing does not have to be painful. In fact, it can be really, really fun for both you and your child. Think back to when you first started writing your name and how awesome and accomplished you felt. Do you want the same for your child? Then, read the tips below.
Why Do We Need to Practice Name Writing?
First things first, your name is what sets you apart from everyone else. It was probably a long time ago when you first learned how to write your name, but I bet you remember how you felt. You watched everyone you cared about write or sign their names on important papers, checks, and notes just to name a few. That’s when you really wanted to learn how to write your name too.
Second, when you child enters Kindergarten if they know how to write their first name they are ahead of the game. Many kids come in not knowing how to write even the first letter of their name (which isn’t a bad thing). However, it helps.
Name Writing Practice Tips
Stickers
Kids LOVE stickers. What better way of getting them to learn their name then through the tactile piece of stickers.
One way you could use them would be to write your child’s name on a piece of construction paper. Then, have your child peel stickers off of a sheet and use them to trace their name.
If your child is older and knows how to use a pencil to trace. You can use stickers like connect the dots. Place the stickers on a piece of paper to serve as an outline for the letters. Then have your child connect the stickers to form their name.
Letters
You child will love this fun game. Write you child’s name on a piece of paper or an index card. Then cut it into strips so that one letter is on one piece. Hide the letters around the house and see if your child can find all of them. Once they find them, work together or have your child place them in the correct order (age depending).
Another fun activity using letter pieces is to put them in a sensory bin. Now, when I say sensory bin I don’t want you to think anything too expensive. It can be as simple as a plastic bin filled with rice and other odds and ends. Throw the letter cards in the mix, stir it around, and have your kid dig around to find the letters. Once they find them all, have them do the same thing as above.
Water
What kid doesn’t like to play in water? When you add a fun aspect, like water, to a learning aspect it is going to be a guarenteed success.
Write your child’s name in chalk on a sidewalk or chalkboard. Then have your child make their name disappear by using a paint brush dipped in water, a water pen, or even a squirt gun. They will be having so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning.
Paint
Again, who doesn’t love paint? It is a no brainer.
An activity that is my daughter’s favorite is dot painting. For this activity, you will write out your child’s name. Then you can give your child either dot markers, q-tips, or cotton balls to dip into paint. Have your child dot their name. My daugther asks for this activity again and again. So, I am sure your child will love it too.
Toys
My last name writing practice tip would be to incorporate toys whenever necessary. They now make all types of personalized puzzles, blocks, and games for your child which is a perfect opportunity to practice their name.
We really love our daughter’s personalized name puzzle. We found it on Amazon and love how the easy the pieces can be used.
If you don’t want to purchase any unnecessary toys (because let’s face it our kids have way too many, am I right?) Then, use what you have, friend, If you have blocks lying around, stick some post its on them and have your kiddo place them in the right order to make their name.
Final Thoughts
- Do not be worried if your child doens’t sseem interested. Like I said in other posts, go off of how they are feeling. If they aren’t into it, don’t force it because you will only make things harder on you and them.
- Fun, creative activities will always yeild more results. The more you make learning activities fun and engaging, the more likely your child will be willing to do them.
- Start small. Remember when you first started learning your name, you didn’t know your first, middle, and last in a week. So, don’t expect your child to have those mastered either.
- Don’t oversimulate your child. One activity at a time and for a long period of time. Don’t swithc activities or try to do one acgtivity a day. Children need time to process new expereinces and this is no different.
- Relax. It is so easy to get caught up in what you think your child should be doing as their age. Every child is differnet and unique. One thing I can guarentee you is that they will all learn, but they will all learn in a way that is best suited for them.
Peace, love, and learning vides!
If you tried one of these tips, let me know in the comments. I love seeing what you guys are up to.
Have a quesion or what more advice, drop it down below too!
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