Creative Name Frames

Year Level: Years 0–1

Subject: Technology

Duration: 30 minutes

Focus: Fine Motor Skills

Curriculum Area and Level:

Technology, Level 1 – Technological Practice: Planning for Practice
Objective: Students will undertake simple technological tasks to achieve a functional outcome

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Lesson Objectives:

1. To develop fine motor skills through controlled colouring, decorating, and assembling tasks.
2. To encourage creativity and individual expression while working on a tangible project.
3. To follow simple instructions for designing and building a functional product (name tag display).

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Materials Needed (for 24 students):

• Blank name tags (one per child, made of thick cardboard)
• A4 paper with pre-drawn rectangular box frame templates (one each)
• Crayons and coloured pencils (ensure variety)
• Pre-cut stickers (stars, hearts, animals, etc.)
• Small tubs of child-safe glue
• Blu-Tack (or tape) to temporarily attach name tags to the box frame
• Flat cardboard pieces (for backing each name tag decoration)
• Wet wipes for messy hands

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Lesson Structure:

1. Introduction – Setting the Scene (5 Minutes)

Teacher Dialogue:
“Kia ora, tamariki ma! Today we’re going to make something that shows who we are! Everyone will create a colourful name tag with your own special touch, and we’ll show it off inside a frame that you’ll decorate too. These will go on our special ‘Technology Wall’ in the classroom!”

• Briefly explain the steps for the activity:
  1. Write or colour your name tag.
  2. Attach your name tag to a frame.
  3. Decorate the frame with stickers to make it unique!
• Show an example name tag and frame (pre-made by the teacher).
• Remind students to try their best and listen for instructions.

Warm-up Activity:

• Ask: “What’s your favourite colour or shape? Can you spot these colours or shapes on the example I’ve shown?”
• This question primes them for creative thinking and connects to their likes.

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2. Core Activity – Name Tags and Frames (20 Minutes)

Step 1: Colouring Name Tags (7 Minutes)

1. Distribute the blank cardboard name tags.
2. Instruct students to write their names on the tag or trace over their pre-written name (for students who are still practising letter formation).
3. Let them colour their names using crayons or coloured pencils. Encourage bold, bright colours to make their name stand out.

Tip for the teacher: Encourage variety with prompts such as, “Can you make your name look rainbow-coloured? What about adding a pattern?!”

Step 2: Attaching Name Tags (3 Minutes)

1. Once completed, guide students to attach their name tags to the pre-drawn rectangular box frame templates using Blu-Tack or tape.
2. Ensure all students complete this step so they are ready for decorating.

Teacher Monitoring: Walk around to make sure everyone’s name tag is securely placed.

Step 3: Decorating Frames (10 Minutes)

1. Hand out small tubs of stickers and give each group access to glue.
2. Guide students to carefully peel and stick their stickers around the border of their name tag’s frame. Encourage individuality by suggesting they add their favourite shapes, animals, or colours.
3. For an extra challenge, encourage students to create patterns with their stickers: e.g., “Can you make a border with star, heart, star, heart?”

Teacher Feedback: Walk around and give positive reinforcement like, “Wow! I love how you’ve matched these colours!”

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3. Conclusion – Sharing and Reflection (5 Minutes)

Sharing Activity:

• Ask students to hold up their decorated name tags to show the class.
• Prompt questions such as:
  • “Who added their favourite animal to their frame?”
  • “What shapes do you see in other frames?”
  • “What do these name tags tell us about you?”

Reflection:

• “You’ve all made something special today! Hands up if you had fun using the stickers or crayons? This is an example of technology—you followed a plan to make something that works beautifully!”
• Explain that their name tags will be displayed on the classroom wall for everyone to admire.

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Key Pedagogical Notes:

• Fine Motor Skill Development: This lesson allocates plenty of time for hands-on tasks to help young students refine their grip and control when using crayons, peeling stickers, and handling glue.
• Inclusivity: This activity is adaptable for students of varying abilities. Provide individual assistance with name tags or stickers if necessary.
• Creativity: Allow students to express themselves through colour and pattern choices while also encouraging simple technological practices like assembly and design.

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New Zealand Curriculum Links:

Technological Practice – Level 1

• Outcome Development and Evaluation: Students share outcomes that meet basic needs (functional name tags for display).
• Technological Products: Students use materials such as cardboard and glue, gaining tactile experience in handling different textures.

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Take-Home Connection:

Encourage tamariki to proudly share with their whānau what they made in class and ask permission to practise name writing or frame-decorating at home.