Nancy Stewart

It's September again, and that means lots of new names to learn if you're a teacher, librarian, or care provider. Since I visit the same school twice a week, it takes me a long time to learn the names of the 150 children I see. I came up with this last year, and it's become a favorite! Besides being a great way to learn the names, it allows me to make eye contact with each child, an invaluable way to connect as we start our short time together. I also tried a new way of doing nametags that worked. Instead of stickers (which only work a couple of times), or necklace nametags, I simply folded 3X5 index cards in half lengthwise, making a free-standing tent. I wrote each name in large print with a marker and placed it on the floor in front of each child. The first few times I had to have the kids raise their hands as I called their names before placing the cards, but that too became a way to connect. If children are older and recognize their names, they can find and place them themselves. You could also put a headshot photo on each to help children find their own. This is a quick easy thing to do, and can easily get you through those first weeks of school. But don't stop singing the song! It's a great transition song for circle time all year long. Knowing children's names is so important- for them, and for you. So sing your way into knowing them, and have a great year!

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