Name writing

We are starting to work on name writing with the TR class. During the art activity, I have the student assistant write the child's name in yellow highlighter - all upper case letters, then the child traces over it with a regular marker. The children don't get it perfectly the first or second or even third time, but it's okay because they are learning and it takes a lot of practice, especially as children are also learning how to hold the writing utensil using the pincer grasp (or tripod hold) instead of a fist hold. 
It's important for children to learn to write their name in upper case letters first because it is easier - they only have to focus on big lines and big curves. They learn lower case letter later, after they have mastered upper case letters. 
If you want to work on name writing at home, here is a sample of what to do. Write your child's name with a highlighter using upper case letters, like this: LARISA. Then have your child trace over it with a marker. 
A note: If your child is holding a writing utensil with a fist hold, don't force them to hold with a tripod grasp; they aren't ready to start writing yet. Their fine motor (small muscle) skills need to fully develop in order to write and cut. Ideas to do at home to build fine motor skills:Provide Developmentally Appropriate Activities to Build Fine Motor Skills:  These activities do not involve pencils and worksheets! Instead, try Play Doh® with a pizza cutter and mini rolling pin, jumping frogs, squeeze squirters, spin tops, locks and keys, novelty toys, hole punches, wind-up toys, peg games, tweezers, tongs, picker uppers, squeeze balls, lacing cards, animal voices, mini cards, mini slinkys, Chinese yo-yo’s, giggle tubes, Wheelo, animal grabbers, squishy balls, and putty with beads and buttons. Games such as Ants in the Pants, Don’t Break the Ice, Operation, Pick-Up Sticks, Ker Plunk, Lite Brite, puzzles, card games, and all kinds of arts and crafts encourage appropriate hand skill development. Minimize passive entertainment usage such as Game Boys, Playstation, and Xbox, etc…as these do not build efficient pencil grasp patterns. (Taken from write out of the box.com)
Remember: It takes young children a lot of practice and patience for them to learn to write their name; don't rush or force them to do it, but make it fun and playful so it is a positive experience.