LA 3.07Writing My Name
The child copies their own first name from a name card, first on the chalkboard and later on paper.
Presentation
Search videos (opens YouTube in a new tab)- 1
Show the child the name card and read it: "This says Sam. It is your name."
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Point under each letter and say its sound: "/s/ /a/ /m/."
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Show that the first letter is a capital: "A name begins with a capital letter."
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Trace the sandpaper letters for the name with two fingers, in order, saying each sound.
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Place the card above the chalkboard. Write the name slowly, one letter at a time, saying each sound.
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Compare your writing with the card, letter by letter.
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Wipe the board and invite the child to write their name, looking at the card.
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On later days, offer a paper strip and pencil instead of the chalkboard.
What catches the child’s eye
- A card with the child's own name on it
- The capital letter at the front that marks it as a name
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Writing the name on own drawings and work
- Writing the name without looking, then checking against the card
- Writing the last name
- Copying the names of friends or family members from their name cards
Control of error
The name card, placed above the writing for letter-by-letter comparison.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Writes own first name with the letters in the right order
- Starts with a capital and uses lowercase after it
- Writes the name on work without the card
Guide note
Do not write the name card in all capitals; the child would have to unlearn those forms later. A child with a long name may write the first few letters at first and add more over time.