Teaching Students to Write Their Name

Nellie Edge had a great article on her blog giving hints to parents to help their child to print his/her name.  Some of the same practices could be used in Kindergarten classrooms to assist students in learning this important literacy skill.  A child's name is the most important word he or she will ever learn to write.  Gaining mastery over the letter formation of his or her name is the key to many handwriting principles.  From just learning how to form the letters in their name, students will be able to form other letters more efficiently.

She suggests that students practice every day.  Each child is given a 2" x 4" card and asked to practice the letters in their name daily.  If they make a mistake in writing their name, they simply get a new card and start over.  Students will name the letters for their teachers daily.   The teacher should select one letter from their name to practice until the brain and the fingers make the connection.  After a while students will have confidence and control and then forming the letters will become automatic.

It is important that students learn to form the letters correctly from the very beginning of their interest in writing. 

 

Many student come to school already writing their names.  Unfortunately, parents and grandparents have taught children to write his or her name in all capital letters.  The students have unlearn what they already know and then learn a new way do the same thing they have already learned.

 

It is a proud day for everyone the first time a child writes his or her name.  Celebrations are the order of the day!