We’ve started introducing Nugget (and Peanut, by default) to her name. In addition to having her name on things around the house, I have her “write” her name. We talk about the letters in her name, play with a wooden name puzzle, and decorate her name with crayons. Since my kiddos LOVE to pull/peel things, I came up with the Name Matching Game.
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I was fortunate enough to already have these things from my teaching days. The good news is, these materials are fairly inexpensive and the activity is easy to make!
Materials Needed for Name Matching Game:
Step 1: Laminate mini sentence strips
This step is fairly easy. Just follow the directions on the box and you’re good to go. Make sure sentence strip dries fully before writing on it.
Step 2: Write name on first sentence strip
Using a Sharpie, write name on sentence strip, making sure to leave enough space in between letters.
Step 3: Cut name apart
Step 4: Place velcro tape on letters and on second sentence strip
I find it easiest to put the sticky side down on the letter, followed immediately by its counterpart and THEN stick the entire letter onto the second sentence strip. This ensures that your velcro pieces will match up perfectly (as opposed to sticking one velcro piece onto the letter and another velcro piece onto the sentence strip). Does this make sense? This also ensures that your letters will not overlap.
Step 5: Remove letters from sentence strip and write letters on second sentence strip with Sharpie
Step 6: Put letters back onto velcro tape and start playing name matching game!
Both Nugget and Peanut loved taking the letters off and hearing the sound of peeling velcro, LOL. This game can be modified in many ways. You can omit the letters on the second sentence strip, to make the game more challenging (once the child recognizes/knows how to spell the name). You can do any name or word you like.
If you don’t have the laminating materials or don’t wish to laminate, you could always do the activity without it. For a one and done activity, simply have your child glue the letters onto a sheet of paper. You can also use cardstock or index cards for the letters (for more durability) and just arrange the letters like a puzzle and put them away when done.
Have fun learning your name! Like this post? Please share! Looking for more ideas? Check out 6 Toddler Activities You Can Do Right Now and Magnetic Alphabet Match.
Happy Playing!
