Early print awareness is essential for later success in reading. Print awareness is the connection between spoken and written words. It's understanding that letters make words and words can be written or spoken. Learning to recognize a name is one of the first steps in this process. Exposure to a child's name not only develops those early print skills, but it also gives the child identity in their classroom and provides a sense of belonging. The children see their name printed throughout the classroom often in places like cubbies, chairs, artwork, and writing centers. Teachers encourage children to work with the letters in their names, as well to practice building the name from left to right. Throughout the year, we do name activities in various forms to provide practice and continue building each child's confidence with their own very special name!
