Hi Donna,
The idea of the name ticket is not mine, but something I found online (http://www.nellieedge.com/articles_resources/susiehaasStrategy.htm) The author, Susie Haas suggests just working on the name, but I found having the numbers helped my students tremendously. Just as she suggestion on her webpage, after my students complete their name ticket, they are allowed to work on a choice activity in the classroom.
I hope this helps to answer your question.
Cathy
September 21, 2012