The first time each child is the calendar helper/line leader, we look at his/her name, name the letters, and add the name to the word wall. This year I have 17 students; so it took us 17 days to complete the names on the word wall. On the second rotation through, each child cheers his/her name. The next time through, the child does the name cheer and we clap the syllables. We do that for a few rotations, comparing "claps" before adding last names to the name cheer and clapping all of the syllables in both first and last names. We do all of this before the helper even starts giving us the information (day, month, etc etc) for the day. I think it's a fun self-esteem builder, plus the children are learning about letters and sounds as well. Thanks for checking in and have a great day!
