Prepare a Top for each child with their name on it for the beginning of
the first term in their new school. This can be worn at different times
during the school day both in class and when it might be helpful for other
people in school to learn the names of the new children, e.g. supervisors
at lunchtime.
The Tops could be used for various activities in class:

• Work with a small group of children and discuss with them their
  favourite things. Ask them to paint some of their favourite things
  on the back of their Top. Help them to label their paintings. When
  the Tops are dry ask the children to put them on and share with the
  rest of the class their favourite things. Find out who has the same
  interests in common.

• Invite a group of older children to come to meet the new children. The older children might need to be briefed on
  appropriate ways of greeting the younger children and talking with them so that they can find out more about them
  and help them to feel welcome. The older children might also spend some time working on an activity with their
  new friends so that they can get to know them. Encourage the children to look out for each other at playtime.
• Use the Tops for letter and word recognition, e.g. Ask the children to find someone else whose name starts with
  the same letter, ask a child to give out the Tops to the right people by reading their names, mix up the Tops and
  ask the children to find their own.

Meeting curriculum requirements:

The Reception children will be developing speaking and listening skills through talking about themselves and their
preferences and listening to other people to find out more about them. This activity will also help children to develop
their sense of self and become more aware of others. There are opportunities for using the Tops to develop letter and
word recognition.

The older children will be learning to consider the needs and feelings of others and will be taking responsibility for
welcoming new members into the school community. They will be developing their speaking and listening skills
through having to take into account the needs of the younger children.

Tips for Painting:

Tops must be kept flat when they are being painted and not worn until they are dry.
Have different size brushes available and encourage the children to find out what marks each brush will make.
If things go wrong wipe out with a damp cloth.
Remind the children to clean brushes very well when they are changing from one colour to another or keep one brush
for each colour.
Water-based markers can be used for labelling.

Useful Reference:

Illustrated alphabet books and wall charts; a book on the meaning of names.

What you will need:

Tops, paint, water jugs, rags, paper towels, brushes, water-based markers

Activity 0072 Birthdays