✏️ Writing & pencil control · Ages 3–4 · about 3 weeks

A Name Card for My Place

Goal: Make a personal place card with meaningful marks, and explore the written shape of their name.

For parents: Write your child's name for them to look at if they wish. Their own version may be a drawing, marks or a familiar letter. No recognisable letters or fixed grip are expected. Use intact chunky crayons with an adult nearby. Stop when they have had enough.

Do together

  1. A card that belongs to me

    You need: Paper and intact chunky crayons

    Fold paper into a standing card together. Your child chooses a picture and adds their own name marks beside it. Ask them to explain the marks. With permission, write their name elsewhere on the card so both versions stay visible.

  2. Look and make a mark

    You need: The card, paper and a chunky crayon

    Look together at the name you wrote. Trace a line or curve from it with your finger. Invite your child to make any mark they choose on scrap paper, perhaps a similar shape. They can watch or draw freely instead.

  3. Choose a place

    You need: The name card

    Let your child choose a place for their drawing activity at the table or on the floor. They put the card there and tell you whose place it marks. Offer to help add another name mark if they want; copying is optional.

Talk about it

  • What do your marks tell us?
  • Which line would you like to follow?
  • Where shall your name card go?

Words to use

  • name
  • mark
  • card
  • place
  • line
  • curve

Play

  • Trace It
    Pre-writing
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