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I've been trying to teach a 4 yr old how to write her name. Everyday I ask her how to spell her name and she's doesn't remember or can't tell me. But, if I write it in chalk or on a paper she can trace the letters. Just wondering about what ages does it click on how to spell their name or write it? My own children have been writing their own names since 3 and being able to spell them before 3. I still plan on working with her each day.
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Our dcks who have been w us a long time can always write their names by 3 but we have a dcb who started w us a year ago at 4yo and he had not been worked with and could not spell, identify or write his name. It took a few months of working w him to teach him. We also have a dcg who started w us at 4 and she could write her name by memory but did not know any of the letters by name. She has been a much harder case because doesn't think she needs to learn them and finds other, very inventive ways to "get around" learning them during games and pk time! -
Like every other skill, they learn when they are ready to learn.
You can't force it....just support the learning. Make sure the child has the opportunity to try IF she wants to.
If she doesn't and has no interest, you will only cause her to resist if you push it.
I have had kids as young as 2 learn to write their names and I have had a child as old as 5 not have a clue how to write even one letter of their name.
WHEN they learn is as unique and as individual as the child themself.
Your job is to supply the right environment to support their learning and the rest is up to them.
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I don't push her. We have one time during our group time that we work on spelling and saying our names. When I get to her I gently help her and she's very excited to write it and I try and give her lots of writing opportunities. I know every child is different, I was just trying to see if there was anyway else I might be able to help her.Like every other skill, they learn when they are ready to learn.
You can't force it....just support the learning. Make sure the child has the opportunity to try IF she wants to.
If she doesn't and has no interest, you will only cause her to resist if you push it.
I have had kids as young as 2 learn to write their names and I have had a child as old as 5 not have a clue how to write even one letter of their name.
WHEN they learn is as unique and as individual as the child themself.
Your job is to supply the right environment to support their learning and the rest is up to them.
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Apologies if you thought I was saying you push....I didn't mean it to sound like I was suggesting that.I don't push her. We have one time during our group time that we work on spelling and saying our names. When I get to her I gently help her and she's very excited to write it and I try and give her lots of writing opportunities. I know every child is different, I was just trying to see if there was anyway else I might be able to help her.
I use activities such as letting them use their fingers to write in flour, sand, pudding, shaving cream etc...
sandpaper tactile letter tiles are a huge hit here
....also use things such as dry erase markers or wipe off sheets so that the kids know they can easily erase mistakes (sometimes kids have anxiety about being correct all the time)
Other things I've done is make tracing pages for them to do. Sometimes their whole name and other times, just one letter. This site lets you make any customized tracing paper you want http://www.kidzone.ws/tracers/index.htm
I also use these little "sayings" or poems to help the kids remember how to write each letter. For example "A - Pull down twice from the point to the top. Add a seat to view the apple crop."
HTH
Last edited by Blackcat31; 07-10-2013, 08:58 AM.Comment
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I agree with Blackcat. I have had younger children know and older children who have no clue. I think you teach it and wait for her to grasp it. I start with tracing papers. When I pass them out I ask them to spell the name first. If too young then we go over each letter together. Then they trace. Once I see they are prefect on the tracing we move to trying to write their names on the top of other papers or on writing paper. I have had some go to kinder spelling and writing independently and others who are still tracing.
This is the site I use......
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The first link you included just shows the picture of the sandpaper M in the post.Apologies if you thought I was saying you push....I didn't mean it to sound like I was suggesting that.
I use activities such as letting them use their fingers to write in flour, sand, pudding, shaving cream etc...
sandpaper tactile letter tiles are a huge hit here
....also use things such as dry erase markers or wipe off sheets so that the kids know they can easily erase mistakes (sometimes kids have anxiety about being correct all the time)
Other things I've done is make tracing pages for them to do. Sometimes their whole name and other times, just one letter. This site lets you make any customized tracing paper you want http://www.kidzone.ws/tracers/index.htm
I also use these little "sayings" or poems to help the kids remember how to write each letter. For example "A - Pull down twice from the point to the top. Add a seat to view the apple crop."
HTH
Is there another way to that link for the customized tracing paper?Comment
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Very cool thank you!! I'm going to try this plus the flour, sand and shaving cream. Love the poems! Thanks a bunchApologies if you thought I was saying you push....I didn't mean it to sound like I was suggesting that.
I use activities such as letting them use their fingers to write in flour, sand, pudding, shaving cream etc...
sandpaper tactile letter tiles are a huge hit here
....also use things such as dry erase markers or wipe off sheets so that the kids know they can easily erase mistakes (sometimes kids have anxiety about being correct all the time)
Other things I've done is make tracing pages for them to do. Sometimes their whole name and other times, just one letter. This site lets you make any customized tracing paper you want http://www.kidzone.ws/tracers/index.htm
I also use these little "sayings" or poems to help the kids remember how to write each letter. For example "A - Pull down twice from the point to the top. Add a seat to view the apple crop."
HTH
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I don't do anything to "teach" the children their names, but by the time they leave here, they can all write their name. As Blackcat said, they'll do it when they're ready. My best advice is to have their names everywhere, so they see them all the time. In our house, it's
on their cubby basket (with a photo)
on their mailbox (where friends can leave them messages; also with a photo)
on their mail folder (for filing things to go home)
on their treasure box
on a name tag (rock) that we use at meal times
in books about the kids (the most popular book with the little ones is a book of nothing but names; one name per page printed nice and big)
on their toothbrush
on a rubber band that goes around our canteens when we're out
on their journal
written on their art (with their permission) while they watch.
Also, writing materials and letters for play (magnet letters, scrabble tiles in a bowl, etc) are available all the time.
At some point, when they show interest and ability, I start asking if they'd like to do their own writing. For example, if I take dictation of a letter to their mom, I'll ask if they would like to sign it themselves.
Don't worry. It will come naturally as soon as she's ready.Comment
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Whenever they are ready too Somewhere between 2-6. I used to teach kindergarten and some kids came in writing every letter perfectly and others didn't know how to hold a pencil or what letter their name even started with. I think when they are interested in doing it is the best time to teach them. If they don't care, don't want to, or it becomes a frustration to them, I fear that they would always hate writing. I start with just the 1st letter of their name. Once that is mastered, move on to the next letter. I also always teach Capital letter for the first letter and then lowercase for the rest of the name. It drove me crazy when kids would come in writing in all caps. They think they can write their name, and then they have to relearn how to write it correctly.
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my son learned in pre k age 4. It takes a while to master! Writing is a hard skill to get down. Don't worry-she'll get it!!:hug:Comment
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