Tag... You're It! The Art of Making Name Tags

School is just around the corner and I love using these name tags in my classroom. These are easy to make and the children think they are so special. I am not a fan of the standard name tag made with soft yarn since my students often chew on them or twist the cord around until I am fearful that they will cut off their circulation!
Right? Kinder teachers know exactly what I mean. 

These tags can be purchased in Walmart and the clips are sold separately. I use it as a learning tool in the beginning making all the vowels in red. I put a pocket chart outside of my classroom with these tags and the parents put them on their own children, avoiding any mistakes when you are meeting a shy child ( or crying student) on the first day. You could even send these in the mail with your welcome letter! 

Notice that each tag has a small icon under it. Many of our students come to school without being able to recognize their own name. The icon under their name serves as a scaffold to help them remember which card belongs to them. After the first few days I play all kinds of games with these tags to build their letter knowledge and to help them recognize and write their name. I am giving you a set for your classroom and this is a special gift for those of you teaching transitional kindergarten! Click here if you want these and please be sure to follow me for more freebies. Do you have a better name tag idea? I hope you will share your ideas! 

I know that many of you liked these name tags or told me some great ways you are using them in your classroom. So many of you are so creative. So, if you need a set and cannot stand the thought of making them,
I took the names off of mine and want you to have a set to start the year. If you already have name tags you can use them for sight words, letters, numbers, whatever. Click here.

Please don't eat your name tag!

Are you still using name tags with soft yarn? I did this for years until I figured out this system. These badge holders are super expensive in office supply stores but not in Walmart. You can use them year after year and when I have a sub I leave these for her to use. Easy-peasy tags that the kids love to wear. I put them in a pocket chart outside on the first day so the parent can help their child. I also make an extra set of cards with icons in case a new child comes and I need to write in their name quickly. I keep extra badge holders on hand. When students are wearing these we can play name games easily. So, if your kinders tend to eat their name tag or twist it around their neck until they turn blue, this might be your solution! Try it!