Hole Punch Names: Art With Hole-Punch Dots

Lesson 223 • By Debbie Haren (Expanded Version)
Grade Level: Preschool

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Learn to recognize the letters in their own name.

  • Build early name-writing awareness through tracing and letter formation.

  • Strengthen fine-motor skills using hole-punch dots and glue.

  • Practice color recognition, sorting, and simple pattern-making.

  • Gain confidence seeing their name displayed in the classroom.

Materials

  • Construction paper (variety of colors)

  • Hole punch

  • Half-sheets of construction paper (student’s choice of background color)

  • Small bowls or cups for storing punched dots

  • Glue bottles or glue sticks

  • Marker to write each child’s name

  • Optional: glitter, stickers, alphabet stamps

Preparation

  1. Cut construction paper into pieces easy for hole punching.

  2. Punch lots of circles (“confetti”) in many colors.

    • Let students help—this is AMAZING fine-motor practice.

  3. Sort dots into containers so students can grab colors easily.

Step-by-Step Activity

1. Student Chooses Their Background Color

Let each child select a half-sheet of construction paper.
Say:

“Choose the color paper you want for your special name art.”

2. Write the Child’s Name

Teacher writes each child’s name at the top in large clear letters.
Use:

  • Uppercase first letter

  • Lowercase for the rest (literacy best practice for preschool)

3. Trace Name With Glue

Model first:

  • Slow squeezes

  • Thin lines of glue

  • Staying on top of letters

Then let each child trace their name with glue.

4. Add Hole-Punch Dots

Children sprinkle or place dots directly onto the glue-covered letters.

Encourage:

  • Using many colors

  • Following the letter shapes

  • Pressing dots gently to stick

Some may make color patterns, others may work randomly — both are wonderful!

️ Literacy Talking Points

As students work, ask:

  • “What letter does your name start with?”

  • “Can you say the next letter?”

  • “What sound does this letter make?”

  • “Do you know anyone else whose name starts with this letter?”

This makes the art project a true literacy lesson.

️ Display Ideas

  • Above each child’s cubby

  • On a “This Is My Name!” board

  • Hallway display with photos next to names

  • Create a class name book with each child’s art glued inside

Displaying them boosts pride, identity awareness, and environmental print.

✨ Optional Variations

1. Rainbow Names

Assign one color per letter to create rainbow-patterned names.

2. Glitter Names

Sprinkle glitter on top of the hole-punch dots (lightly).

3. Letter Hunt

Hide hole-punch dots with printed letters on them and let children add only the letters found.

4. Big Letter Only

Focus on just the first letter of their name for beginners.

5. Name Collage Mats

Add photos of the child or drawings they create around the edges.

Skill Connections

  • Fine motor: squeezing glue, picking up tiny dots

  • Letter recognition: seeing and forming each letter

  • Name awareness: matching letters to personal identity

  • Color sorting: choosing and organizing colors

  • Hand–eye coordination: placing dots on glue lines

Informal Assessment

Observe whether each child can:

  • Identify the first letter of their name

  • Follow the glue line with dots

  • Recognize at least some letters in their name

  • Use dots with a pincer grasp

  • Stay engaged until the name is complete

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