That's My Name! Game for Braille Readers

Sep 8, 2015
3 min read

One of the most motivating first experiences with Braille can be your child learning his or her own own name. Madilyn learned to write her name before she learned to read it. Before either of those however, she learned to spell it aloud. For her, controlling her fingers and hands to read across an intricate line of tiny bumps continues to be a struggle. When she first began learning to read, we put her name in Braille all over our home. We put labels on her toys that she played with each day and a large plaque in her room beside her door. Even if she didn't stop to really read it, she was reminded it was there!

Girl's name plaque with braille rhinestones

The great thing I found about making our home accessible, is that I could do it! Schools aren't always that great unfortunately, but remember that you are your child's greatest advocate! When Madilyn entered Kindergarten, we actually had to fight with the school she attended to make them put her name in Braille on her cubby when all the other kids had their's in print. Can you believe that?!

So if you're looking for a fun name activity that you can do at home, pre-k or school, try our "That's My Name!" game. If you're child's not ready to complete it on his/her own, then take a few minutes each day and practice together. Madilyn thrives on interaction and adding the socialization part around the activity increases her interest dramatically! The same goes for almost many other activity as well. How about testing it out with your child or student? Then, let us know what you discover!

That's My Name! Activity

All you need to do is download the free PDF here, print it out on cardstock or Braille paper, then add Braille! You can use a Braille Labeler, Perkins Brailler, or even tactile paint. If you want to make it last longer, try laminating the paper after you print it if you're not going to be adding tactile paint. (The kind I use seems to easily peel off the slick laminated paper!)

If you want an editable version of the file, download the Pages Document here so you can make one just like the photo below! Be sure to download and install our free Sensory Sun Braille Font, too! Think about preparing all the letters to practice family and classmates names as well, or just focus on your child's name. It's lots of fun!

Madilyn spelled in print and braille with boxes to match

Tips for Success: I added a line of glitter glue to the bottom of each letter card so Madilyn can easily make sure the card is orientated the correct way! I also added a circle of glitter glue on each space on the name card so she could feel across to place the next letter in the correct area. You could also outline the boxes if you choose!

You can also use removable glue dots on the name board to keep the letter cards in place. They aren't a permanent adhesive so you can remove them when you are finished playing! They're not expensive either... find them at your local craft store or on Amazon here.