1-2-3 Come Make A Name Map With Me!

A name map is an interesting icebreaker for the first week of school and a great way to get to know your new students.

Children think of a symbol that represents them and draw that in the middle.  I chose an apple as it’s sort of universal for school or teaching.

Branching out from the center symbol is a variety of things about the person such as hobbies, their favorite season, birthday, what they want to be when they grow up etc.

By having students use their two favorite colors to write their first and last names in the center of their object, everyone gets to know another “tidbit” about that person.

The completed activities make a wonderful back to school bulletin board too!

I've also included an apple-themed name map pattern if you're studying apples, and want them all the same. 

Make sure you do a personal one of yourself, so that you have a sample to help explain what you want your students to do, as well as a means for them to get to know their new teacher. Includes an explanatory note home to families.

Sharing name maps is a nice activity to do after reading the story Chrysanthemum, a wonderful back to school tale, whose main character is a little mouse named Chrysanthemum. 

She loved her unusual name until she started school and everyone began making fun of her.  It's one of my favorite back-to-school books and especially great if you need some stories to go with "bucket-filling."

Click on the link to view/download Name Maps.  This packet is a special FREEBIE in my TpT shop.

That's it for today.  Thanks for visiting.  Time for a much-needed break from my long "to do list". 

It seems that no matter how many things I cross off, I put that many more back on!  Wishing you a stress-free day filled with lots of relaxing moments.

 "Luxury is anything that feels special. I mean, it can be a moment, a walk on the beach, a kiss from your child, or it could be  a special fragrance.  I think luxury doesn't necessarily have to mean expensive." -Aerin Lauder