Earlier this week, I sent out a newsletter with all the different ways to learn with jars, and the sight word jars I listed in the email made me think – why don’t I change these to name jars? This will be such a fun way to work letter recognition and help my students to learn how to spell names, their and their friends’ names, with these simple and easy-to-adjust name jars. I plan on using these regularly in my literacy center and small groups. There are so many ways to work on name recognition, and I love how name jars could be a familiar routine for students. While having novel elements, you can easily rotate. Want to get my newsletters? Sign up in the sidebar.
Use Name Jars to help your students to learn how to spell names
Gather your materials. I got little containers at the dollar store, then looked around my supply closet and settled on letter beads, pipe cleaners, stickers, circle labels, small clothes pins, letter magnets, and mini Post-it notes. I also used some paper, scissors, and a Sharpie. I trust you have one or many like me! Ok, ready to put together simple activities to help your students to learn how to spell names ?
Start by writing names on the jar lids.
Now fill them with things like letter beads and half a pipe cleaner.
This is great fine motor and letter recognition!
Letter magnets
Use labels and write out their names before sticking them in the jars. I like this because you can easily use the proper cases for each letter.
Mini Post-it Notes
Letter stickers. I love letter stickers because they are great tools not just for children to learn how to spell names but for literacy in general.
Last but not least… clothespins!
Oh, and I just thought you could do playdough too!
Need more literacy center ideas for PreK?
Check out these great literacy activities for preschoolers!
Anne says
Love the ideas you have posted. How can I get more