What is the first word you can remember learning to read and write? 

Maybe you are thinking:

• Cat
• Hat
• Up
• Go

But more than likely, it was your name. Kindergarten teachers help kids learn their name in the first few weeks since it is crucial in the classroom. The teacher labels everything with a child’s name, such as: 

• Cubby
• Desk
• Bulletin Boards
• Papers

But you can give your child a headstart at home! 

What is the Best Way to Teach a Child their Name? 

The best way to teach anything to young children is through hands-on activities. When children can engage in learning through kinesthetic movement, they can process more difficult tasks through trial and error. 

The benefits of learning through doing are essential and can help a child connect to the information provided to them. Your child will also be more likely to retain the information presented to them because hands-on activities are more engaging. 

Finally, hands-on learning shows students why learning this information is beneficial in their lives.  

Why Teach their Name First? 

Teaching a child the basics of early reading concepts at home before formal education is essential for school readiness. Many parents want to help their children recognize the letters of the alphabet before starting formal schooling. 

One way to start recognizing letters is by teaching your child the letters in their name in lower case letters. Beginning the letter identification process with their name first creates a learning experience that is very personal and meaningful! 

Why lower case letters? 

Children will see lower case letters far more than upper case letters. Look at how many lower case letters there are in this article! You can learn more in this article: Don’t Use Uppercase Letters to Teach Children Reading and Writing. 

2 Quick and Easy Ways to Help Kids Learn their Name

Here are some ideas when providing your child with hands-on learning experiences that you can do with your child at home. 

#1 Name Letter Recognition and Matching

Supplies Needed: 

• Letter cards
• Bean bag with letters wrote on them
• Painters tape 

Directions:

1. Tape off squares on the floor using painters tape. (This helps the child to see where to aim).
2. Place a letter card in each square. 
3. Show your child their name in print in lower case letters. 
4. Have them spell out their name by throwing the bean bags into squares. 

Why does this work? 

Your child will not only be engaged in this activity because it is fun, but they will also be using their whole body in the process. They will be able to use their hands to physically toss the bean bags at the letter cards in the process of matching the letters. 

Advanced variation: Have your child match all letters. 

#2 Name Letter Writing

Supplies Needed: 

• Letter cards
• Sand (you could also use salt)

Directions:

1. Show your child the letter that you would like them to practice. 
2. Have sand in a box, preferably the bottom of the box has a colorful background.
3. Have your child write out the letter in the sand. 
4. Repeat for each letter in their name

Why does this work? 

Your child will be able to see and feel themselves, forming the letters to their name visually. The contrast between the sand and the colorful background will allow your child to see the letter formation. 

Additional Resources for Early Reading and Writing at Home

Reading and writing are essential skills that children would benefit from having help at home from an early age.  I would encourage you to incorporate fun hands-on learning activities with your child every day. It is something that will help your child for years! 

What fun ways have you taught your kids their names at home? Share them in the comments below!

Check out the below resources for added reading and writing strategies:

• Expert Phonics Strategies
• The Surprising Benefits of Reading 20 Minutes a Day
• Hands On Learning Ideas For Pre-K And Elementary
• How to Instill the Love of Reading in Your Child

Do you have a child that needs more one on one assistance?  

We offer one-on-one special education tutoring that can be done from anywhere the student is! Why? Because our special education experts conduct their sessions online!

Get started with a free consultation today!