Reason #15 The power of a name and new identities

At the beginning of 7^th period, I walked around the room greeting students by name.  As I said: “Bonjour Esperance.  Bonjour Gabrielle.”  to two girls in the back row, Gabrielle’s face lit up. She then clapped her hands and turned to Esperance saying: “She remembers our names!”  I laughed and told her that I even know most all of their last names, but am still challenged by some their “given” first names. Gabrielle was thrilled that I remembered all three of hers.  : )    

So what is it about names in my class that makes them more complex? 

At the beginning of each year, day one of class, my students are able to choose a new French name.  My reasoning is three-fold, first to create a sense of community within our classroom since students all have new names, secondly to give students an opportunity to create a new identity, and lastly they will be exposed to French pronunciation from the first day onward. It is just fun!   

Most students are surprised by the opportunity at first because it is a new idea. Then they get excited. Students may choose a name close to their own or something completely different. I read through an entire list while students listen and circle the three names they like. It is fun to watch them listen so very attentively as I read the 200+ names. They then make name cards for their desk and the big question is asked for the first of a thousand times….

“What name do I put on my paper Miss?”

After the thousandth time they realize that they will always be Colette, Jérôme, Renée, Jacqueline, Andrée, Isabelle…..forever and ever….

Encouraging new identities, new perspectives on who we are in the world and in relationship to one another, 

This is why I teach.