Before beginning this activity, work with students on writing their names independently. Most preschoolers can at least identify their names when they see them in writing. The next stage is tracing along dotted lines to spell their names. Older preschoolers, as well as some younger preschoolers, should be able to do this. Some older preschoolers will even be able to form some of the letters in their names (especially if they have a copy to work from) completely independently. Give each student a sheet of paper that will serve as the cover for their book, with the words "All About . . ." on it. Students can then write their name to complete the title.
Before the activity make little books for preschoolers by stapling together several pages. At the bottom of each page write a sentence starter such as "My favorite color is _____," "My favorite animal is a _______," "I like to play _______," and "I have _____ brothers and _____ sisters." Have students dictate their answers to you or use stickers (for example, number stickers, colored circles) to fill in some of the blanks.
Have students complete the rest of each page with a picture that illustrates the sentence at the bottom. Students can draw these pictures or cut them out of magazines. For example, a child who writes "My favorite animal is a lion" might draw a picture of a lion or try to find one in an animal magazine or in a pack of animal stickers. Encourage children to include a picture on each page.
One of the best parts of an About Me Book activity is that children get to share various aspects of themselves, including their likes and dislikes, with one another. Each day choose another child to share an About Me book. Have the child "read" each page, explain each picture, and answer any questions that other children may have. Encourage the child to find other children who share the same interests.