The Power of K Summer ‘09

Vanessa Osborne

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“The old adage asks, “What’s in a name?” Where children are concerned the obvious answer is “Everything!” Few things capture children’s own attention more quickly than seeing and hearing their own names. Their names are among the first words children learn to read and write. Names are the perfect theme for connecting skills and concepts across the curriculum.”

Bob Krech2

1. Recognize name with graphic (photo) 2. Recognize name without graphic 3. Apply name recognition purposefully 4. Differentiate between and among names 5. Reconstruct own name 6. Visually match specific letters in names

Show three names – find the two names that begin with the same letter; end with the same letter

Show letter – find the name that has this letter at the beginning; at the end; somewhere in the middle

7. Teacher shows a letter and give its nameFind a name with the letter (say name) in it.

8. Children identify letter then find a name that has letter in it.

9. Give name or “sound” –Find a name that begins with the same sound as (give name);

or, find a name that begins with the same sound as (utter sound)

10. Encourage children to write their names on their work or just for pleasure*Note: All activities are modeled with whole group; followed up with small group and individuals as needed.

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“Name Games” Support the Predictors of Reading and Writing

Alphabet Knowledge

Concepts About Print

Phonological Awareness

Oral Language

Writing Name/Writing

RAN (Rapid Automatic Naming/Lexical Access)

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“Name Games” activities support the principles of Developmental Appropriate Practice (grounded in knowledge of child development)

1. Engaging (of interest and importance to children)

2. Scaffolded (first teacher models; then teacher collaborates with children; then children work independently)

3. Differentiated (includes - whole group, small group, one-to-one)

4. Explicit with opportunities for Indirect Follow-up (both are focused and engaging)

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One Idea:Rolodex with children’s photos and names; add address or phone number as appropriate; put in ABC order later in year; place in home living/dramatic play area.

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Stage 2 Pictures on reverse side

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Names found in lots of places… on charts…

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…in books …on nametags

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…in letter jail …near the writing center

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