As an early intervention classroom and itinerant teacher who has been in literally hundreds of preschool classes, I’ve learned that one of the most basic and effective ways to teach literacy basics is through the use of a student’s name. It is highly motivational because it belongs to the student and they take pride in ownership. Even if the student isn’t able to identify letters yet, it’s not too early to start.
Help to support a child with a visual impairment using their name
Lessons and activities can be easily adapted to meet individual needs using general teaching ideas. Provide opportunities for them to see their name in more that one area and environment. We have all seen the name label on desks in classroom (and BTW this should be simple and high contrast for easier viewing). This isn’t just for labeling the student’s area. It helps with literacy skills as well.
Label their names on their cubby, room door, play area, and easily accessible spots in the home much like they do in a preschool or kindergarten classroom.
Tips
- Make sure the font is the right size and in a style that is easier to view. This is a great article to learn about font styles and preferences for individuals with print disabilities: My favorite free fonts for print disabilities.
- Try underlining, including around the lower line letters for grounding.
- Use high contrast colors based on the individual child. Color preferences are a big deal, especially with young children.
- If your child is learning braille, you can easily label items in a variety of ways
- Not sure if your child will be using print or braille (dual media) yet? Provide both options and work with your TVI (teacher of the visually impaired) using a learning media assessment (LMA) and collect data over time.
- Make a song out of spelling their name and use auditory cues.
Materials
Here are materials that have been successful with some of my students:
- Alphabet Trains and Toys has the name puzzles, trains, and more. They also have blog posts supporting literacy using their materials.
- Amazon also has a variety of name puzzles.
- If laminating, use matte laminate sheets to avoid glare issue.
- Puffy paint and more tactile letters can be helpful.
- Braille stickers and labels can be easily added, even if you don’t read braille yourself using APH ABC stickers or a braille label maker. You can also use clear braille labels if you have a braille machine or ask your TVI to help.
- Personalized books
What’s next
After your child is able it identify their name, which usually means they see the first letter and shape the name, start to really dive into the letters of the name and the sounds they make. Discover together what other words start with the first letter of their name. Compare and contrast the words. Talk with teachers and team members, including OTs when it may be time for handwriting and tracing the letters of the name. And for our braille users, get those fingers on a braille machine. Most of all, make it FUN!
