On the the thrill of learning to write your own name, Percy’s pedal-car diversion, helpful moms, practice, practice, practice & Miss Cathy’s (no longer) secret love of ancient Runes…

by J.A. Ginsburg

A new I See I Learn book about learning to write your name!

Cleaning out old boxes the other day, I came across one of the first books that was mine, all mine, not a hand-me-down from my sister or brother: a Golden Book classic, We Help Mommy. The story line followed the seemingly endless labors of young Martha and Bobby, who helped prepare breakfast, make beds, dust, mop, wash, shop, bake, set the table, and, of course, put away all their toys without even a hint of complaint. Who were these Stepford children?

I don’t blame my mother for trying. Still, I was rather delighted to see I used the book mainly for coloring. Martha and Bobby may not have known the joy of play, but I sure did.

For me, the very best part of the book was the inside cover where I wrote my name. I remember writing it, too, because it was something a “big person” would do. Thrilling.

Write On, Carlos!, a new addition to Stuart J. Murphy’s I See I Learn series, captures that sense accomplishment and triumph.

"'Vroom, vroom!' said Carlos. He drew cars all over his paper until it was time for bed."

Carlos wants to learn how to write his name, just like is friend Ajay. He knows the alphabet, so is off to a good start (the alphabet runs along the bottom border each double-page spread as a reference). His mom is a big help, too, spelling out the  first three letters—C-a-r.

At the park the next day, Carlos and some of his friends from  Ready, Set Pre-K—Freda, Percy and Ajay—are playing in the sandbox, writing their names in the sand. Percy, of course, being Percy, draws a self-portrait. When Carlos spells “C-a-r,” Percy (oh that Percy!), jumps into his pedal-car and leads everyone for quick spin around the playground.

That night, Carlos works on the last three letters of his name next: “l-o-s.” His mom gives him lots of paper and he practices and practices and practices!

A few days later, he joins his friends who are writing their names in chalk on the sidewalk (except, of course, for Percy, who, being Percy, has drawn a self-portrait). C-a-r. Percy is off in his pedal-car again, but Carlos keeps writing: l-o-s. Freda and Ajay stop to watch. Even Percy pedals over.

“‘Carlos. That’s ME!,’ shouted Carlos.”

Yes it is!

Being able to write one’s name is a cognitive skill: letter recognition is stepping stone to reading. It also boosts self confidence. A child who can write his own name knows he can write anything. All it takes is practice!

Free poster! Perfect for classrooms, libraries and refrigerator doors!

The storytelling, as with all  I See I Learn books, is kept simple and clear, supported by illustrations designed to provide behavioral models.

TEACHERS! PARENTS! CARE-GIVERS!

Each I See I Learn book includes a two-page spread called “A Closer Look,” designed to review key points:

• How do you write your name?

• Can you write the names of other members of your family?

• Can you write the names of any of your friends, or pets?

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MISS CATHY RECOMMENDS:

• Writing Paper to Practice Handwriting for Preschool and Kindergarten: Free printables (website)

• Learn to Write…Free Tracing Paper: What a fun program from “My Moondrops!”  Type your child’s name in a box and it generates a printable page with traceable letters. (website)

• Message in a Backpack: Supporting writing at home / NAEYC’s “Teaching Young Children” magazine: Teachers: TIY’s aptly named “Message in a Backpack” pdf’s are full of useful suggestions for parents. Great writers write all the time—at school and at home, too!

• Your Name In Runes / PBS  Can I tell you a secret? I adore old alphabets! Type your child’s name in the box on the website and you can see what it looks like in 15th century Viking letters. Now that’s Write On!

Be sure to check out all of Stuart J. Murphy’s I See I Learn books! His Level 1 MathStart books are perfect for Pre-K. You can follow us on twitter and Facebook. Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter, too! (sample)

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