Fun Back-to-School Ideas for Kindergarten: Name Activities and Read Alouds
This activity is a cornerstone for the first six weeks of school because it:
Alongside this activity, I use a Kindergarten Name Unit I created to balance academic goals with social-emotional opportunities. At the start of the year, kindergartners are learning routines, practicing pencil grip, and exploring writing tools. Name activities provide the perfect bridge between routine-building and meaningful academics, all while honoring identity and voice.
Here are some of my favorite back-to-school kindergarten read alouds that pair beautifully with the Name Unit. Including these in your classroom library helps children see names as powerful, personal, and worth celebrating.
I also send home a letter inviting families to share their child’s naming tradition and the story behind their name — a wonderful way to connect school and home.
As you continue to plan your kindergarten back-to-school routines, give Special Student of the Day a try! Along with a beautiful name-centered read aloud, this practice helps you build a caring classroom community. All while intentionally integrating early literacy and math skills.
Explore our Special Student of the Day resource and Name Unit for ready-to-use activities. They will help make the start of your year joyful, meaningful, and memorable.
Happy Learning!
TP
@SparkingCreativityNow
