Name Tag Craft

Objective: Help students recognize and practice writing their names while developing fine motor skills and building classroom community.

Materials:

• Pre-K Name Tag Templates
• Construction paper (assorted colors)
• Crayons or markers
• Stickers and small decorations
• Safety scissors
• Glue sticks or tape

Directions (10 minutes)

1. Hand Out Templates
   
   Give each child one Pre-K Name Tag Templates sheet and a piece of construction paper.

2. Model Tracing or Writing
   
   Demonstrate how to trace the dashed letters on the template. Encourage children to say each letter aloud as they trace it.

3. Decorate
   
   Let students choose crayons, markers, and stickers to personalize their tags. Suggest they add a favorite color or small drawing that represents them.

4. Cut and Mount
   
   Assist children with cutting out their name tags. Then glue or tape the cut-out onto colored construction paper for sturdiness.

5. Display or Wear
   
   Show students how to attach their finished name tags to their backpacks, lanyards, or hang them on a classroom “Hello” board.

Discussion Prompts & Reflection

• “What is the first letter of your name? Can you find someone who has the same first letter?”

• “Point to your name on the tag. How many letters does your name have?”

• “Share one thing you drew or decorated on your tag. Why did you pick that?”

Follow-Up Activity

Invite each child to stand and show their name tag to the class. Have them say, “Hello, my name is ____. I decorated my tag with ___.” This promotes speaking skills and helps peers learn each other’s names.

Tip for Teachers: Encourage students to use their name tags throughout the week—during center time, lining up, and snack time—to reinforce name recognition and independence.

Morning Song Warm-Up

Objective: Use a cheerful greeting song to gather students, build community, and set a positive tone for the day.

Materials:

• Good Morning Song Audio
• Classroom speaker or device to play audio
• Optional: simple rhythm instruments (e.g., shakers, tambourines)

Instructions (5 minutes)

1. Gather in a Circle
   
   Invite children to sit or stand in a circle on the carpet. Encourage them to face inward and make eye contact with friends.

2. Introduce the Song
   
   Show the cover slide or lyric poster for the Good Morning Song Audio. Ask: “Who is ready to say good morning?”

3. Sing and Move
   
   Play the audio. Lead students to sing along, using simple actions: wave hello, clap hands, pat knees, and point to friends on the lyrics “dear friends.”

4. Add Rhythm Instruments (Optional)
   
   Distribute shakers or tambourines. Demonstrate tapping the instrument on each “good morning” beat. Invite volunteers to play along as the class sings.

5. Repeat and Celebrate
   
   Play the song a second time. Cheer and praise participation: “Great singing, everyone!”

Transition to Next Activity

• Ask a quick check-in: “How are you feeling this morning?”



• Direct students to sit down in the circle as you introduce the next activity: Classroom Spaces Introduction.

Reflection Circle

Objective: Allow students to reflect on their first day, reinforce what they learned, and express their feelings in a supportive classroom community.

Materials:

• A cozy circle area (carpet or mats)

Instructions (5 minutes)

1. Gather in a Circle
   Invite students to sit in a circle on the carpet, making sure everyone can see and hear each other.

2. Prompt 1: Feelings Check
   Ask: “How did you feel when we sang our Good Morning Song?”
   
   
   
   

3. Prompt 2: Favorite Space
   Ask: “Which classroom space was your favorite today and why?”
   (e.g., Reading Corner, Art Table, Block Area)
   
   
   
   

4. Prompt 3: Morning Routine Recall
   Ask: “What part of our morning routine do you remember doing?”
   
   
   
   

5. Prompt 4: Looking Forward
   Ask: “What are you most excited to do tomorrow at school?”
   
   
   
   

6. Closing Reflection
   – Thank each student for sharing.
   – Remind them: “Every day we start with our song, explore our classroom spaces, and follow our morning routine together.”
   – Encourage a round of applause or a high–five circle to celebrate a great first day!

Classroom Spaces Flashcards

Use these flashcards to introduce our three key classroom areas. Show the front first (name and image), then flip to discuss the description.

Reading Corner

📖 [Image: Cozy reading nook with pillows and books]
Description: This is our cozy Reading Corner. It has soft pillows and a shelf of books where you can snuggle up and enjoy your favorite stories.

Art Table

🎨 [Image: Table with paper, crayons, paint jars, and brushes]
Description: At the Art Table, you can draw, paint, and make crafts. Grab your crayons, markers, and stickers to create colorful masterpieces!

Block Area

🧱 [Image: Assorted building blocks in various shapes and colors]
Description: The Block Area is full of blocks you can stack and build with. Use your imagination to make towers, roads, and castles!

Pre-K Name Tag Templates

Use these two designs to support different skill levels: Version 1 for tracing and Version 2 for independent writing.

Version 1: Traceable Name Tag

Name:

(Teacher: Replace the dashed area above with each student’s name in dotted-outline letters before printing.)

Version 2: Independent Writing Name Tag

Name: _______________________________________

(Students write their name independently on the blank line and decorate around it.)

Tips for Teachers:

• Laminate tags for durability.
• Attach string, clothespins, or adhesive tabs for easy wear/display.
• Encourage students to use their name tags during free play, lining up, and transitions to reinforce name recognition.

Morning Routine Chart Poster

Follow these steps every morning to start your day right!

1. Hang Your Backpack

🎒 [Image: Child hanging backpack on a hook]

2. Wash Your Hands

🧼 [Image: Hands under running water with soap]

3. Find Your Spot on the Carpet

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 [Image: Children sitting on colored carpet spots]

Use this chart each morning to help you remember our routine and get ready to learn and play!