Description

Each student has a name puzzle (made by the teacher prior to the lesson) which he/she puts together. The student's first name is written in red and the last name is written in blue. The skills accomplished in this lesson are students identifying their name and the correct spelling of same, following three-step oral directions, and using listening skills.

Note: This lesson can be administered alone or in conjunction with the lesson Who Am I (Primary Grades)? (See Extensions.)

Materials

-Sentence strips for names of each student
-Red and blue marker
-Envelope for each student with name written on front of it.
-First grade handwriting paper for each student
-A basket or something to place the name puzzle envelopes in when students complete the assignment.

Procedures

1. This activity can be administered on its own or use as an extension to lesson Who Am I? (Primary Grades). (See Extensions.)

2. Discuss the concept of a puzzle. Pieces are put together to make a picture or to make something whole.

3. Show the students the envelopes with their names written on the front.

4. Ask what they observe that is the same on all the envelopes.

5. Get student response.

6. Observe the first name is written in red and the last name is written in blue.

7. Pass out envelopes to the appropriate student.

8. Tell the students not to open the envelope until instructed to do so. Once all students have their envelope, have them gently pour the contents on their desk.

9. Instruct them to place the envelope on their desk in front of them with the name up for them to see.

10. Observe and discuss the two colors their puzzle names are written in.

11. Ask students to predict what they are to do with the pieces.

12. Get student response on their prediction.

13. Discuss and explain they are to put their name together not only spelled correctly but color coded correctly.Put all red letters together for first name and all blue letters together for last name.

14. Instruct them to look at their envelope with the name on it.

15. Demonstrate a students name.

16. Ask if anyone has a question.

17. Instruct students to raise hand when finished so you can check it for proper assembly.

18.Before beginning, review with the students the importance of listening and following directions. Discuss how the student can miss directions if he/she is not paying attention.

19. Next give three directions on what to do when assignment is completed. Instruct the students to put the pieces back into the envelope, place their envelope in the basket and pick up their writing paper to practice writing their name six times.Begin now.

20.Walk around and assist the students.

21. Check the students puzzle as they complete them.

22. Have the students do it a second time using the envelope if need be and check.

23. Instruct the students to complete the name puzzle one more time without using the envelope.

24.When finished with the writing of their name have them turn in the sheet and pick a book to read and remain quiet until everyone was finished.

Note: Someone always tries to put a red letter in the last name or a blue letter in the first name. This alerts them to think something is wrong with their puzzle. Have them look at the puzzle and see if they notice anything wrong with the color of the letters. They always figure it out.

Extensions

Click here to view the Beacon Lesson Plan recommended as a follow-up to The Name Puzzle.

The following are steps for an Extension lesson once the students accomplish their name puzzle:

1. Recall the concept of a puzzle. Pieces are put together to make a picture or to make something whole.

2. Distribute the envelopes with the name puzzles inside to the appropriate student.

3. Remind them not to open the envelopes until they are instructed to do so.

4. Review steps on how to assemble.
-red letters are for first name
-blue letters are for last name
-look at the front of the envelope for assistance

5. Instruct them to swap envelopes with their neighbor (this depends on how your room is arranged)

6. Have them gently pour the contents on their desk.

7. Instruct them to place the envelope on their desk in front of them with the name up for them to see.

8. Explain they are to put their neighbors name together not only spelled correctly but color coded correctly. Put all red letters together for first name and all blue letters together for last name.

9. Instruct them to look at the envelope with the name on it if they need help.

10. Instruct students to raise their hand when finished so you can check it for proper assembly.

11. Ask if anyone has a question.

12. Begin now.

13. Walk around and assist the students.

14. Check the students puzzle as they complete them.

15. Instruct the students that upon completion and it has been checked by you, put all the pieces back into the envelope and put their heads down.

16. Explain to the students they are to swap the envelope with yet another neighbor.

17. Swap envelopes and repeat steps 6 through 16.

18. Repeat the swapping as many times as need be. This will depend on the time allotted and the students attention span.

19. See Web Links for an ABC game that is a practice for the students.