Lesson Overview

Target Learner: Jazlynn (2 Years Old)

Goal: To build name awareness, identify the letter "J," and explore the sequence of letters in her name through multi-sensory play.

Success Criteria: Jazlynn can recognize her name in print, identify the first letter (J), and participate in arranging the letters J-A-Z-L-Y-N-N in order with assistance.

Materials Needed

• Large "Name Card" (Jazlynn written in bold markers)
• Individual letter cards or blocks (J, A, Z, L, Y, N, N)
• A shallow tray with sand, salt, or flour
• Sticky notes with one letter of her name on each
• Painter’s tape
• A "Special Name Song" (sung to the tune of "BINGO" or "The Farmer in the Dell")

1. Introduction: The Hook (5 Minutes)

Objective: Spark excitement about her "special word."

The Action: Hide Jazlynn’s name card under a colorful scarf or behind your back. Use a puppet or an excited voice to "find" it.

Talking Points (2-Year-Old Friendly):

• "Look, Jazlynn! I found a very special word. Who is this? It’s YOU!"
• "This says Jazlynn. Let’s trace the big 'J' with our finger. Jump, jump, J!"
• "Can you say your name? Jaz-lynn! High five!"

2. Instruction: "I Do" (Modeling) (5 Minutes)

Objective: Demonstrate the order of the letters.

The Action: Lay out the large name card. Take the individual letter cards and place them directly on top of the matching letters on the card one by one.

Talking Points:

• "Watch me! I’m going to build your name. First is J... then A... then Z..." (Continue through N-N).
• "Look at all those letters standing in a line! They like to be in this order."
• Point to the 'J': "This is the leader! J is for Jazlynn!"

3. Guided Practice: "We Do" (Sensory Name Hunt) (10 Minutes)

Objective: Active engagement with the letter shapes and order.

The Action: Activity A: The Tray Trace. Help Jazlynn use her finger to draw a "J" in the sand/salt tray.
Activity B: The Sticker Match. Place the "Name Card" on the floor. Give Jazlynn the individual sticky note letters and help her stick them onto the corresponding letters on the card.

Talking Points:

• "Your turn! Can you put the 'J' on the 'J'?"
• "Yay! You found the 'A'! It goes right next to the 'J'."
• "Let’s wiggle our fingers in the sand. Round and hook—that’s your 'J'!"

4. Independent Practice: "You Do" (Movement Play) (10 Minutes)

Objective: Recognition in a fun, low-pressure environment.

The Action: Tape the letters of her name at her eye level on a wall or door, but spread them out slightly. Ask Jazlynn to "run and touch" specific letters as you call them out, starting with J.

Talking Points:

• "Jazlynn, can you run and touch the Big 'J'?"
• "Where is the 'N' at the end? Go find it!"
• "You did it! You found your name letters!"

5. Conclusion: Recap & Celebration (3 Minutes)

Objective: Reinforce the day’s takeaway.

The Action: Sing the "Jazlynn Name Song" together while pointing to each letter on her name card.

Talking Points:

• "We learned your special name today! J-A-Z-L-Y-N-N spells Jazlynn!"
• "Every time you see this 'J', you know it's for you!"
• "Let's give your name a big hug!" (Hug the name card).

Assessment & Feedback

Formative Assessment: Observe if she can identify the 'J' when prompted and if she shows interest in the sequence of letters during the sticky note activity.

Summative Assessment: Later in the day, place three different words on the table (e.g., Cat, Mom, Jazlynn). Ask, "Which one is your name?" If she points to her name, she has met the primary recognition objective.

Differentiation & Adaptations

• If it's too hard: Focus exclusively on the letter "J" for several days before adding the other letters. Use a "J" shaped snack (like a pretzel or hook-shaped cracker).
• If it's too easy: Introduce the sounds each letter makes (e.g., "J says 'juh' like jump!").
• For Classroom/Group: Create a "Name Train" where each child is a "car" and they have to line up in the order of the letters of a shared word or their own names.