Name Recognition Fun!

Materials Needed:

• Large cards with each letter of the child's name written clearly (one letter per card)
• Sensory bin filled with rice, beans, or sand
• Magnetic letters matching the letters in the child's name
• Play-Doh or modelling clay
• Construction paper
• Washable paint or finger paint
• Optional: Name puzzle

Lesson Activities:

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Sing a familiar welcome song to start the lesson positively.
2. Introduce the large letter cards one by one. Say, "Look! This is the letter [Letter Name], it makes the [Letter Sound, if known] sound. It's one of the special letters in your name, [Child's Name]!" Repeat for each letter in their name.
3. Lay the letter cards out in the correct order to spell the child's name. Point to each letter slowly and say the name: "[L-E-T-T-E-R]... that spells [Child's Name]!"

Activity 1: Sensory Letter Hunt (10 minutes)

1. Announce, "Time for a treasure hunt! Let's find the letters of your name!" Show the child the sensory bin where you have hidden the magnetic letters of their name.
2. Encourage the child to dig and explore the sensory bin to find the hidden letters.
3. Celebrate each discovery! "Wow, you found the [Letter Name]! That's in your name!"
4. As letters are found, help the child place them on a flat surface, arranging them in the correct order to spell their name again.

Activity 2: Play-Doh Letter Shapes (10 minutes)

1. Provide the child with Play-Doh. Show them one or two of the simpler letter cards from their name (e.g., straight lines like L, T, I or curves like O, C, S).
2. Say, "Let's try to make the letter [Letter Name] with our Play-Doh!"
3. Guide the child in rolling snakes, making balls, or pressing shapes to approximate the letter form. Focus on the tactile experience and exploration rather than perfect letter formation. Praise their effort enthusiastically.

Activity 3: Name Painting/Tracing (10 minutes)

1. Write the child's name in large letters on a piece of construction paper.
2. Put a small amount of washable paint on a plate or tray.
3. Invite the child to use their finger to trace the letters of their name with the paint. Talk about each letter as they trace it: "Now you're tracing the letter [Letter Name]! It goes round/straight down..."
4. Alternatively, provide cotton swabs or chunky brushes if preferred over finger painting.

Wrap-up (5 minutes)

1. Gather the letter cards again. Sing a name song together. (Tune: "B-I-N-G-O"): "I know a very special kid and [Child's Name] is her name-o! [Clap/Say Letter1]-[Clap/Say Letter2]-[Clap/Say Letter3]-... and [Child's Name] is her name-o!" Point to the letters as you sing them.
2. Briefly review the letters they found or made. "Look at all the letters from your name we played with today! You found the [Letter Name] and the [Letter Name]!"
3. Offer lots of specific praise for their participation and effort.
4. Optional: If available, allow the child some time to work on their name puzzle.