Name Practice

Checking in for a quick and simple idea that was inspired by Smedley's Kindergarten Journals.  I wanted a way for my incoming kinders to practice their names as it is a very important concept that needs to be learned and practiced from the start.  We have pockets on our chairs that these fit so nicely in.

On the front side, we have an individualized name practice sheet. I made the sheets from this site using Print Clearly (dashed) font.  I slid them in the front of a sheet protector.  I practiced with dry erase markers to make sure they worked  and it worked GREAT! I plan on the students that need to, to begin by tracing their names.  

Once they have mastered that, there is plenty of room on the line to write it themselves while still referring to the dashed lines if necessary.

On the back we just have some more practice that can be used daily with no prep.  Students that have mastered writing their names, can move on to the date which will be on the board.  They will have to copy it down.  The dark black line on the bottom can be used for their sentence writing.  I plan on having a few share before we move on, once students get to that level.  

So to sum it up: 

1.  Tracing their name

2. Start writing their name on their own

3. Write name completely on their own on the back

4. Start writing the date.

5.  Write a sentence, draw a picture

6. Move onto labeling a picture

That will be my progression for the year! My favorite part of the ENTIRE project is that it has NO PREP whatsoever! You can walk around and manage students and never have to write or copy but students are still learning their names, letters, how to write a date, and then beginning sentences so it works for the whole year.    Go check out Greg's link from above, I love his take and just tweaked it for my room.  I can't wait to use these all throughout the year!