Desk name plates (free printable, three to a page)

About this sheet

A name plate on the desk is the first thing a new class sees: it tells each child that this seat is theirs, and tells you and a substitute who is who. The plate is a long rectangle with a fold line in the middle. The name is printed on both halves, the second turned upside down, so when it is folded and stood on the desk it reads correctly on both sides. Type the names, one per line, and the sheet draws a plate for each, three to a page, with the name sized to fill the width. The names stay in your browser. Leave the box empty to print blank plates for children to write on and decorate themselves.

Grades: Pre-K to 6. Best in: August, September.

How to use it

1. Type the names, one per line, as you want them to read. Leave the box empty for blank plates to fill in by hand.
2. Print on card stock, cut out along the border, fold along the dashed line so the name faces out on both sides, and tape the ends.
3. Stand each plate on a desk, or tape the folded plate to the front edge. Reprint a single page when a student arrives.

Five ideas for class

1. Print blank plates and let children write and decorate their own on the first day. The act of making it is the first lesson of belonging.
2. Keep a few spare plates for new students and for substitutes, so a late arrival has a place at once.
3. Use a plate as a seating chart: turn it to the other side for the student who is the day's helper.
4. Print the plates on colored card stock by table, so each group has its own color and finding a seat is easy.
5. Print in black and white and use them as place cards for a family night or a class celebration.

Related

• Table tents
• Classroom jobs chart
• Seating chart maker
• Random name picker