We’re happy to be joining in with the name recognition and writing series hosted by Preschool Powol Packets. Learning to recognise and write their names is an important milestone for children getting ready to start school, and for those can already read and write their names – using their names in crafts and activities is still a lot of fun, and helps them feel proud and connected to their work since it is personalised to them!
We decided to make some textured names using double sided tape and lots of fun materials. This activity was enjoyed by all of my kids (ages 3-6).
If your child is learning to write their name you might also like these editable name writing pages
For this textured names activity you will need:
- Coloured paper
- Double sided tape
- Your choice of materials to decorate – depending what you have on hand, or stashed in you craft cupboard.
We used:
- pom poms
- sequins
- loose glitter in a shaker
- small squares of coloured paper for mosaics
- coloured tissue paper
- googley eyes
- coloured lavender rice (left over from sensory play activity)
You could also try other materials like:
- plain uncoloured rice
- lentils
- small beads
- buttons
- ribbon
- coloured wool
To get started, cut strips of double sided tape and arrange them on the paper to form the shape of the name. For younger children, you can do this step for them, or for older children they can do this step themselves.
Once the whole name is complete, then peel off the top layer of double sided tape to make it sticky.
Once the sticky side is out, the kids are ready to go wild with decorating their names. My kids enjoyed choosing from the different materials to make each section.
As well as being a fun opportunity to work with the letters in their names and talk about each letter, this task gives lots of fine motor practice as they have to carefully pick up the small items to stick down.
The mini pom poms were probably the most popular item with us.
Once everything is stuck down, you’re done. The good thing about using the double sided tape is that unlike with glue, you don’t need to wait for it to dry and everything stuck down pretty firmly. It’s always frustrating for the kids when the things that you have stuck down end up falling off!
They were all pleased with their finished results (and yes, I did make one for myself too as you might have noticed!)
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
this is such a fab idea! Must try it with Miss T as she is starting to recognise a few letters now. x #pocolo
My son is learning how to write better. He knows his name and maybe this will help him learn letters and names more =) #pocolo
What a great idea. My daughter will love doing this. We have our afternoon project sorted for tomorrow, thanks! {hopping over from the parenting pin party!}
love, Love, LOVE as always, what lovely ideas you have here, Anna. Really hands on as well, and allowing the kids to explore a lot of different textures. Thanks so much for linking this up to the 100th parenting pin it party.
Another great idea Anna – I love that the craft is mixed with a learning activity too. Thank you for linking to #PoCoLo x