Sparkling Into the New Year: Glitter Name Writing for Preschoolers

The New Year is a perfect time to revisit the basics in preschool—our names! This fun and creative New Year’s glitter name writing activity combines learning, creativity, and fine motor skills while celebrating the start of a fresh year. Kids love the sparkle; teachers will appreciate the engagement and developmental benefits. Looking for creative preschool or kindergarten New Year’s bulletin board ideas? Check out the list at the end of this post.

How New Year’s Glitter Name Writing Benefits Preschoolers

The Power of Personal Identity

Names are a fundamental part of every child’s identity. Incorporating name-writing activities into the classroom reinforces each child’s sense of self-worth and belonging. Plus, it’s a great way to build confidence as they learn to recognize and write their names. Also, try Dot Art Name Paintings.

Early Literacy Skills

Learning to write their names helps children build essential pre-writing and literacy skills. Through repeated exposure, they become familiar with letter shapes and sounds, which is critical for early reading success.

Fine Motor Development

Activities like squeezing glue bottles, tracing letters, and sprinkling glitter strengthen the small muscles in children’s hands, preparing them for more complex writing tasks later on.

Develop Self Control

Children love to pour sand or glitter on a project! Many educators or families do not like glitter because it shows up everywhere, but children love it! It adds a magical element to any project or craft, and it helps children learn how to sprinkle small amounts in areas around the page. Children can learn fine motor control and self-control by sprinkling glitter from a shaker container.

How to Create Glitter Names in Preschool

Materials Needed

• Black construction paper
• Black marker or other writing tool
• Glue bottles
• Glitter (various colors)
• Art Trays (to contain the glitter mess)
• Paper plates

Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Write the Name

• Encourage the child to write their name using a black marker on black paper.
• If a child isn’t ready to write independently, write their name for them to trace or decorate.

2: Add Glue

• Show children how to squeeze glue over each letter carefully.
• Allow creativity! Kids can add glue designs above or around their names. Talk about themes like fireworks to spark ideas.
  Pro Tip: Narrating letter shapes, such as “up the hill, down the hill,” can help with letter formation awareness.

3: Sprinkle Glitter

• Sprinkle glitter over the glue. A mixture of colors adds a festive touch!
• Shake off excess glitter onto a tray or paper plate. Reuse the glitter to minimize waste and save supplies.

Extending the Activity

Glitter the New Year!

In addition to their names, children can glitter the numbers of the New Year. For example, “2024” can be written and decorated, reinforcing number recognition in a fun and festive way.

Encourage Storytelling

Ask children to describe their designs or share why they chose specific colors. This will promote language development and creativity. Then, talk to the children about the times they have seen fireworks and their favorite types.

Display the Sparkle – New Year’s Bulletin Board Ideas for Your Early Childhood Program

Create a classroom display featuring the glitter names and numbers. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate each child’s work and brighten the room for the New Year. For fun New Year’s bulletin boards, use these phrases:

• Sparkling Into the New Year!
• A Bright New Year Ahead!
• Poppin’ Into the New Year!
• ___ (new year) our Year to Shine!
• We’re Glittering Into the New Year!
• Bursting with New Year Cheer!
• Ready to Sparkle & Shine in the New Year!
• Sparkles & New Year Wishes!

Tips for Success

• Manage Glitter Mess: Use trays and designate a cleanup area. To make cleanup easier, keep a small handheld vacuum or damp sponge nearby. Place a trash can nearby to shake off extra glitter partway through the drying process.
• Support All Learners: Adapt for all skill levels by allowing tracing, stencils, or free design.

This glitter name-writing activity is a fantastic way to celebrate the New Year while fostering essential skills in preschoolers. It’s simple, impactful, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re teaching letters or numbers or just celebrating creativity, this activity will leave your classroom sparkling in more ways than one.

New Year Story Books for Early Childhood Programs

Select a story book to read to preschoolers to celebrate the new year.

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API