Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Writing Own Name

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to establish clear goals for the lesson, ensuring that students understand what is expected of them as they engage with the activity of writing their own names. By focusing on the correct spelling and proper letter formation, students not only learn an essential skill but also gain confidence in acknowledging their identity. This foundational skill is crucial for their literacy development and helps them form a connection with their individual identity.

Main Objectives:

1. Students will accurately write their own name with correct spelling.

2. Students will demonstrate proper letter formation while writing their name.

Side Objectives:

1. Students will recognise the importance of their name as part of their identity.

Introduction

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to engage students by making them reflect on their names and their significance. By presenting problem situations, students can explore their feelings regarding identity and recognition, which will enhance their motivation for learning to write their names correctly. This stage sets the foundation for the lesson, ensuring that students understand the relevance and importance of mastering this skill.

Problem-Based Situation

1. Imagine a friend calls you by the wrong name. How does that make you feel?

2. What if you go to a new school and nobody knows your name? How would you introduce yourself?

Contextualization

Names are not just words; they carry our stories, cultures, and identities. In many cultures, names can hold significant meaning and even influence one’s destiny. For example, in some African communities, names are given based on the circumstances of birth, symbolising special traits or aspirations the parents might have for their child. By learning to write their own names accurately, students are not only learning a vital skill but also embracing their unique identities and backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging.

Development

Duration: 70 - 80 minutes

This stage allows students to actively participate in engaging and playful activities that reinforce the importance of writing their own names. By working in groups, students foster teamwork, develop social skills, and engage in kinesthetic learning, all of which support the retention of letter formation and recognition. This participatory approach helps students connect with their personal identities and boosts their confidence in writing their names.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - Name Treasure Hunt

> Duration: 60 minutes

- Objective: Students will engage in a fun activity that combines movement with learning, enhancing their ability to recognize and form the letters in their names while also boosting their teamwork skills.

- Description: Students will embark on a treasure hunt around the classroom to find letters that make up their names. Each letter will be hidden around the room and will have a clue or a fun fact about the letter. For example, a letter 'A' could be hidden under a chair with an attached card saying 'A is for Apple!'. Students will work in their groups to find the letters and then create a big poster of their names using the letters they have collected. This will promote teamwork, recognition of letters, and the importance of their names.

- Instructions:

• Divide students into groups of 5.

• Explain the rules: each group must search for the letters of their names hidden around the classroom.

• Set a timer for 30 minutes for the treasure hunt.

• Once all letters are found, groups will return to their desks and work together to assemble the letters into their names on a poster.

• Encourage students to decorate their posters with drawings, stickers, and their favourite colours.

Activity 2 - The Name Parade

> Duration: 70 minutes

- Objective: Students will learn to write and pronounce their names confidently while gaining a sense of pride in their individuality.

- Description: In this activity, students prepare to showcase their names like stars! Each student will decorate a name card with their name and some fun facts about themselves. They can then strut around the classroom or playground in a parade, saying their name loud and proud. The goal is to not only practice writing their names but also to boost confidence by sharing a bit about themselves with peers.

- Instructions:

• Give each student a blank name card and art supplies.

• Instruct students to write their names in big letters, adding decorations or drawings that represent their hobbies or interests.

• Set up a 'parade route' around the classroom.

• Have each student take turns walking down the route, loudly stating their names and something special about themselves.

• Encourage applause and cheers from their classmates as they finish their turn.

Activity 3 - Name Song Challenge

> Duration: 70 minutes

- Objective: Students will creatively engage with their names through music and movement, reinforcing letter recognition and spelling in an enjoyable way.

- Description: Students will create a catchy song to the tune of a popular song that incorporates their names. In groups, they will brainstorm lyrics that celebrate their name's uniqueness and work on the choreography to perform it. After preparing, groups will present their 'Name Songs' to the class, promoting creativity and the joy of learning.

- Instructions:

• Divide students into groups of 5.

• Brainstorm a popular kids' song for them to base their namesong on (like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star).

• Ask groups to come up with creative lyrics that feature each member's name and something cool about them.

• Encourage groups to think of some dance moves to accompany their song.

• Allow time for practice and then have each group present their song to the class.

Feedback

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their experiences during the lesson. By engaging in a group discussion, students can share their thoughts and feelings about the activities they participated in, solidifying their understanding of the significance of their names. This reflection promotes a sense of community and belonging among learners while also allowing them to express their appreciation for the unique identities of their classmates. Through this discussion, students will be able to assess their learning, connect their activities back to the lesson's goals, and celebrate their individuality together.

Group Discussion

"Now that we've had a blast learning and writing our names, let's take a moment to share what we've discovered together! Who would like to start by telling us about the fun letters you found during the treasure hunt? What did you learn about your name while preparing for the parade? Let’s hear how you feel about singing your names!"

"I want everyone to take a moment to listen and share, as each of our experiences adds something special to our class. Remember, your name tells a story!"

Key Questions

1. What was the most exciting part of the Name Treasure Hunt for you?

2. How did it feel to introduce yourself in the parade?

3. What did you learn about your friends' names that surprised you?

Conclusion

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate the learning experience, reinforcing the importance of writing names with correct spelling and proper letter formation. By summarizing the lesson's key points and connecting them to the students' everyday lives, this conclusion will help solidify their understanding of the significance of their names, encouraging pride in their identity as they move forward in their educational journey.

Summary

Today, learners engaged in an exciting adventure to write their own names. Through activities like the Name Treasure Hunt, the Name Parade, and the Name Song Challenge, students actively explored the letters in their names, practiced proper spelling, and celebrated their unique identities. By working together and sharing their experiences, they have not only learned how to accurately write their names but also how to appreciate the stories and meanings behind them.

Theory Connection

This lesson effectively connected theory to practice by giving students hands-on opportunities to learn and write their names. Each activity reinforced the understanding that names are more than just words; they encapsulate personal history, identity, and culture. As students engaged in kinesthetic learning, they internalized letter formation and spelling in a playful environment, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Closing

In closing, understanding how to write one's name is an essential skill that transcends the classroom. It builds confidence, aids in communication, and fosters a sense of belonging within the community. As students venture into new environments like schools or sports teams, being able to introduce themselves with pride helps establish connections with others. Names hold power, and writing them accurately is a fundamental step in expressing one's identity.