Names come with all sorts of nuances and can influence how we see ourselves and how others see us. To gain insight into the power of names, class members journal about their names and then read a short essay about a girl and her feelings about her name as it's read on the first day of school. As an exit card, pupils share something they want the teacher to know about themselves.

Concepts

social-emotional learning, self identity, identity, building community, school community, self-awareness, social awareness, Social & Emotional Learning

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Instructional Ideas

• Ensure that a protocol is in place to allow for a safe, respectful discussion of the topic of names and identities

Classroom Considerations

• Fourth of ten activities in the First Days of School series
• Requires projection equipment for the PowerPoint presentation
• Each participant needs copies of the reading, handout, and exit card
• A link to an overview of the entire series is located in the Included Materials section

Pros

• The exit card provides class members with an opportunity to share something about themself privately with the instructor

Cons

• None