I Am Here: Daily Name Check-In With Photos

 

Lesson 224 • By Debbie Haren (Expanded Version)
Grade Level: Preschool, Kindergarten

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Recognize their own name in print.
  • Identify the letters in their name and the order they appear in.
  • Build independence in morning routines.
  • Strengthen letter–sound awareness when discussing names.
  • Develop a sense of classroom belonging and identity.

Materials

  • A Polaroid or instant camera (or printed digital photos trimmed to size)
  • A photo of each child
  • Laminated name cards (rectangles) with the child’s name printed in large clear letters
  • Permanent marker
  • Velcro (hook & loop pieces)
  • Pocket chart, bulletin board, or wall space for display
  • Optional: colored borders, magnets, or labels

️ Preparation Steps

1. Take Photos

  • Take a Polaroid or instant picture of each child.
  • Write their name at the bottom of the photo in permanent ink.
  • Allow photos to dry completely if using permanent marker.

2. Create Name Tags

  • Use sturdy cardstock or pre-made name rectangles.
  • Print each child’s name in large, bold print (first letter uppercase, others lowercase).
  • Laminate each name card for durability.

3. Add Velcro

  • Attach one Velcro piece to the end of each name tag.
  • Attach the matching Velcro piece to the back of the photo.

4. Prepare the Display Area

Choose a visible location:

  • A pocket chart
  • A bulletin board labeled “Who’s Here Today?”
  • A section of wall covered in laminated poster board
  • Near the classroom entrance

Organize the cards alphabetically or by color group.

Daily Check-In Routine (Arrival Time)

As each child comes into the classroom:

  1. They find their name card.
  2. They locate their matching photo from a basket or wall area.
  3. They attach their picture beside (or on top of) their name card using the Velcro.

This routine:

  • Builds independence
  • Helps them locate their name visually
  • Establishes morning belonging and ownership

Teacher Tip:
Say “Find your name!” instead of pointing to it. This increases name recognition mastery.

️ Literacy Connections

During morning meeting or small groups, discuss:

  • “Whose name starts with the letter A?”
  • “Let’s clap the syllables in Emilia (E-mi-li-a).”
  • “Look at Jacob—his name starts with J, just like jump!”
  • “Which name is the longest?” “Which is the shortest?”

These simple daily repetitions build:

  • Letter recognition
  • Phonological awareness
  • Visual scanning skills
  • Name-to-face association

✨ Optional Enhancements

1. Add Last Initial

For duplicate names:

  • Print Emma S. and Emma L.
  • Explain why last initials help us tell names apart.

2. Color-Coded Groups

Add colored borders or icons to name tags for:

  • Table groups
  • Bus riders
  • Reading groups
  • Birthday months

3. Reverse Check-Out System

At the end of the day, children remove their photos and place them in a basket labeled “See You Tomorrow!”.

4. Weekly Name Focus

Each week, highlight one child’s name:

  • Count the letters
  • Find rhyming names
  • Hunt for their letters in books

5. Integrate With Attendance

The name/photo board serves as visual attendance—quick and easy for teachers.

SEL (Social–Emotional Learning) Benefits

  • Builds community (“Everyone has a special place here.”)
  • Encourages responsibility
  • Creates predictable routines
  • Helps shy students feel visible and included
  • Supports new students in learning classmates’ names

Assessment

Look for whether each child can:

  • Locate their name independently
  • Identify the first letter of their name
  • Recognize at least some other letters in their name
  • Match their photo to the correct name
  • Place the Velcro carefully without assistance

Progress naturally improves over the weeks.

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