Name Writing Practice Tray

A rimmed baking sheet or tray

Salt, sand, or sugar (enough for a thin layer)

Paper with your child's name written in large, clear letters

Pour a thin layer of salt onto a rimmed tray.

Write your child's name on paper in large letters. Place it above the tray.

Show how to trace the first letter with one finger: "This is J! Down, and hook."

Let them try. Guide their finger gently but let them feel the motion.

Shake the tray to erase. Try again — the instant reset removes pressure.

Work through each letter one at a time.

Try the whole name in sequence once individual letters are mastered.

Celebrate: "You wrote your name! J-A-C-K! That's YOU!"

Writing in salt is far less intimidating than writing on paper. There's no "wrong" mark — just shake and try again. This freedom to make mistakes without visible consequences is exactly what emerging writers need.

A child's own name is almost always the first word they learn to write, because it has personal meaning. It's THEIR name. That motivation is powerful.

The sensory experience of finger-in-salt adds a tactile dimension to letter learning. Research shows that multi-sensory approaches (seeing + touching + moving) create stronger learning connections than visual-only methods.

Add a few drops of food coloring to the salt for extra appeal. Colored salt in a dark tray makes letters really pop.

Once they master their first name, try family members' names or short words: MOM, DAD, CAT, DOG.