Your child’s name is their first source of pride – woven into their evolving sense of self. Nurture that confidence through early literacy with a simple, engaging activity using basic supplies. The Name Recognition Puzzle helps your child recognize and learn the letters in their name – the first steps towards individuality and belonging. Using construction paper, glue, and markers, help your child construct each letter of their name to form the shape of a colorful crayon. This puzzle-like approach allows them to focus on each letter individually while also seeing their name as one harmonious unit. Recognizing the letters in their name helps little brains understand that words are made up of letters – a key reading concept. Repeatedly seeing, spelling, and interacting with the letters commits it to memory. This supports a child’s ability to recognize and recall their name, which is an essential skill needed for classroom readiness. Spend a few minutes daily rebuilding the name puzzle. With repetition, your child will quickly grow more comfortable and confident. Name recognition is an early milestone and lays the groundwork for future reading and writing skills, so enjoy this fun bonding time to celebrate your child’s identity.
Materials:
– Construction paper in the same color, one light and one dark
– Black marker
– Scissors
Directions:
1. Cut one small square of the “crayon wrapper” paper for each letter of the child’s name. From the other color, cut out the crayon tip and a small rectangle for the bottom.
2. Use a black marker to write each letter of the child’s name on the papers.
3. Add a few squiggly lines with black marker near the top and bottom of the crayon.
4. Give each piece to the child and have them arrange the letters to put their name together!
