Preschoolers love experimenting with different textures. You can use textures to help preschoolers learn to write the letters in their name by laminating a name strip with their name written in a simple font.

What You Need

A laminating machine or peel and stick laminating paper
A paper strip with each preschoolers name printed on it in clear letters
Expo markers in a variety of colors
A clean towel or paper towel to use as an eraser

What To Do

Adult Preparation – Cut strips of paper into 3 inch tall pieces. Print each preschoolers name in clear letters. Use a laminating machine or peel and stick laminating paper to cover the name strip with lamination. When complete, the name strips can be taped to each preschoolers work area or placed in a basket to be used as a literacy center.

Preschooler Participation – Preschoolers can use the expo markers to trace the letters in their name. The feel of the expo marker is different than crayons or pens that preschoolers are typically used to. Preschoolers will enjoy the way writing on the lamination feels and will enjoy erasing what they have writing and starting all over again.

Teach Preschoolers Their Phone Number

Laminate each preschooler a piece of paper with their phone number printed on it in clear letters. Let preschoolers practice tracing the numbers in their phone number. Have preschoolers read their phone number to you after they are done so that they can start to become familiar with it.

Variation – Many office supply stores sell laminated placemats with the letters of the alphabet printed on them. These can be added to literacy centers and used in combination with the name strips. Preschoolers can use the expo markers to trace each letter and erase them with a dry towel just as they did on the name strips.