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Dot Art Name Paintings

Name recognition is one of the first skills we work on in the preschool classroom. Many children start by recognizing the first letter of their name or a few other letters. Activities like Dot Art Name Paintings are an excellent way to reinforce this foundational literacy skill while encouraging creativity.

Dot Art Name Paintings - name recognition activity for toddlers and preschoolers

Preparing for Dot Art Name Paintings

To prepare, I printed each child’s name in large, bold letters using the AbcPrint font at 250-300 pt size in a word processor. I used legal-sized paper to make the names as big as possible, ensuring plenty of space for painting. All capital letters were used to simplify the painting process for young learners.

Dot Art Name Paintings

The Process

Each child received a personalized name template and Do a Dot Art Markers.

The children’s approach to the activity reflected their developmental stages:

  • The littlest ones embraced freeform creativity, painting across the entire page.
  • Older children often approached their work with precision, carefully dotting each letter and sometimes using a different color for each one.
  • Younger children were more experimental, painting around the letters or focusing on a single color.
Dot Art Name Painting

Each artwork was unique and beautiful, showcasing the children’s individuality and progress. This activity helped them become more familiar with the letters in their names and provided a fun, hands-on way to practice fine motor skills.

Neenah Index Cardstock, 8.5″ x 11″, 90 lb/163 gsm, White, Lightweight, 94 Brightness, 300 Sheets (91437)
  • BRIGHT WHITE CARDSTOCK: The smooth texture and crisp bright white color of our 90 lb cardstock produces high resolution images and prints for attention-getting and professional documents
  • LIGHTWEIGHT CARDSTOCK: This is 90 lb. INDEX cardstock, which is measured differently than COVER cardstock. For a weight comparison, it’s heavier than 67 lb. Bristol cardstock, yet lighter than 65 lb. COVER cardstock
Do A Dot Art! Markers 6-Pack Rainbow Washable Paint Markers, The Original Dot Marker, Activity Craft Coloring Supplies for Kids and Toddlers
  • Made in the USA: Using only the highest quality materials and standards to ensure kids have endless fun, and parents and teachers have piece of mind. All Do A Dot Art! markers are GLUTEN FREE and LATEX FREE. Unlike bingo markers that are toxic and do not pass safety standards our markers are safely tested to pass the highest of standards.
  • No cups, no brush, no mess: Rainbow washable dot marker pens are easy set up clean up. Comes with 6 non-toxic colors Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple in no spill, no splash bottles theat make painting a blast! Perfect for all of your art kits and crafts projects

Last update on 2025-02-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Extensions and Variations

  • Salt, Glue, and Watercolor Art: Write names with glue, sprinkle with salt, and have children paint the salt-covered glue with watercolors for a textured effect.
  • Glitter Names: Outline letters with glue and sprinkle glitter on top for a sparkly touch.
  • Tape Names: Use painter’s tape to spell out names. Children can paint over the tape and reveal their names when it is removed.
  • Watercolor Name Paintings: Write names in white crayons and have children paint over them with watercolors to reveal the letters.
Dot Art Name Painting

Daily Name Recognition Practice Ideas

Incorporate name recognition into your daily routine:

  • Attendance: Use name cards or stick puppets to check in during circle time.
  • Sensory Activities: Write names in sand, shaving cream, or on a sensory tray.

More Name Recognition Activities

For more inspiration, check out:

Dot Art Name Paintings are a versatile, engaging way to support name recognition while fostering creativity and developmental growth in preschoolers. Give it a try in your classroom!