Back to School Organization with Picture Name Tags

The first week of pre-k and kinder is all about establishing routine. So many of my little friends come in  and have no connection to their written name.  I have started using picture symbols with student names to help all students identify their names, places and spaces in the classroom. This works with all children including non-English speakers and our ESE students as pictures are universal! The most obvious use of symbols and pictures is with student name tags.  I actually put our name tags in a pocket chart so my pre-kinders are able to use this card during small groups and center time- no matter where they are sitting in the classroom.  Cubby tags are another great place to use  symbols and names together... unless you don't have cubbies! You guessed it, I don't have cubbies in my classroom, so we put our backpacks over out chairs sideways so they don't fall off. I used the cubby tags on the back of their chairs so everyone has a home base in the classroom and a place to park their bags!
These are the perfect size for folder labels, lanyard necklaces, graphing cards,   and even cafeteria cards with bar codes to scan on the back! And last but certainly not least, I use the symbol cards on colored bins for easy water bottle storage! These would also be great for storing individual supplies at tables! The picture name tags help my kiddos connect to their names in a meaningful way while helping me organize our room and develop routines especially during the first few weeks of school. The possibilities are endless with Picture Name Tags! You can find them HERE in TpT. Be sure to pin this post for easy, back to school organization!