Throughout my own years as a student, I can recall classmates with names that were difficult to pronounce. I also had my maiden name that was difficult for those who had not heard it before. While listening to the video, I could relate to that awkward pause before my name in the roll call and I could remember how embarrassing it was when it was mispronounced.
Now that I am a teacher, I try my best to pronounce my students' names correctly. I strive ever year to be a "calibrator" in Gonzalez' words. In the past few years, as the diversity of SH has increased, names on my class roster have taken more of a deliberate effort to make sure I am getting it right. It is worth the effort! I had not thought of using an online resources for pronouncing names correctly and I will add that to my toolbox. Often, I will ask former teachers or brothers/sisters of the student to say the name a few times. I might even record them saying it so that I can practice on my own. In the first few weeks of school, I try to say the name many times throughout the day until it becomes automatic.
Now that I am a teacher, I try my best to pronounce my students' names correctly. I strive ever year to be a "calibrator" in Gonzalez' words. In the past few years, as the diversity of SH has increased, names on my class roster have taken more of a deliberate effort to make sure I am getting it right. It is worth the effort! I had not thought of using an online resources for pronouncing names correctly and I will add that to my toolbox. Often, I will ask former teachers or brothers/sisters of the student to say the name a few times. I might even record them saying it so that I can practice on my own. In the first few weeks of school, I try to say the name many times throughout the day until it becomes automatic.