Children need to be able to recognize and write their own names. Most children approach this task enthusiastically. It is the beginning of children's understanding of the alphabet and how it works.
Let your child watch as you write his/her name during daily activities such as writing notes, labeling belongings, or during play. Always model their name correctly by beginning with an uppercase letter and continuing with lowercase letters (e.g., Mary).
Plan special activities that will encourage your child to practice writing his/her name (e.g., writing name in wet sand at the beach or in pudding before eating it, finger painting, using special markers, painting with watercolors).
Make a name puzzle by writing your child's name on a strip of paper. Cut between each of the letters with a zig-zag line. Then, watch your child put it back together.
Help your child cut the letters in his/her name from a newspaper or magazine. Then, let your child glue the letters on a piece of paper.
Provide magnetic letters for your child to practice his/her name on the refrigerator while you get dinner ready.
Trace your child's name with glue and then sprinkle sand, cornmeal, or glitter. After it dries, your child can then trace the letters with their fingers.
Make up a name chant or song that spells your child's name (e.g., "Give me a 'J', give me an 'o', give me a 'h', give me a 'n'. What's that spell? John!").