Name puzzles are a fabulous way to help children learn to identify and order their name letters. And name letters are the very first place we start when teaching kids letters. (You can read all about that in the order to teach kids letters.)

We have been playing with name puzzles for ages! I made this one with Ben the other day and we had such a great time I thought I would share this post I wrote about the activity when I did it 3 (!!!) years ago with Sam!

Happy almost Valentine’s Day!

Name puzzles are a hit around here (still). If you have been reading for awhile, you may remember way back in October when we did a pumpkin name puzzle, or more recently in December when we did a Christmas tree name puzzle. Given the season, it only seems fitting that we make another name puzzle, this time—you guessed it—a Valentine one! This name puzzle makes for a wonderful preschool valentines day craft!

I used name puzzles all the time when I taught Kindergarten. I love how they can be easily adapted to fit any level of ability. Little ones can write their own names, trace their names, or have their names pre-written and recognize them. Kids can cut out their own puzzles with scissors, or practice ripping along lines. They can order their puzzles on their own, or look at their name written out as they match the letters. Name puzzles really are great learning tools for so many skill levels!

Before we get into it, I think you’ll also love this FREE Valentine’s Day Activity Pack! It’s filled with coloring pages, mazes, dot-to-dots, symmetrical drawings, and more—PLUS a 14-day countdown calendar with one simple activity to enjoy with your little one each day as you countdown to Valentine’s Day. Grab yours here:

To make this Preschool Valentines day craft:

To make this name puzzle, I cut out a heart from construction paper.

Next, I printed Sammy’s name on the heart and drew curvy and zigzag lines between each of the letters.

Then Sammy cut on the lines to divide his puzzle into 5 pieces.

Finally, he reassembled his name and glued his heart onto a white piece of paper.

Simple and easy. Just the way we like learning to be! These heart name puzzles could be laminated (or coated with contact paper) to be used again and again as well.

Needing some ideas for other Valentines day crafts for preschoolers? Be sure to check out: Celery Heart Stamped Valentines, Independent Valentine Preschool Activities, and (one of my favorites!) 5 Reasons why I Love Grandma Valentines.

Thank you so much for reading, sweet friend.

xo
SarahSave