I currently have a student in my class who goes by a nickname and on the rare occasion that another student calls him by his first name, I make sure to immediately correct them. I had the discussion with my kindergarteners that we must respect one another and call each other by the name that makes us feel safe. I haven’t had a student in my own class that goes by a nickname due to pronunciation, but I’ve had friends growing up that did this to make it easier on those around them.
The Hollywood story is upsetting and unfortunately, it happens far too often, but I’m glad the YouTuber was advocating for correct pronunciation of Quvenzhane’s name. It’s worth the effort to ask students, especially students of color, how to pronounce their name correctly. Every student should know they’re valued and correctly pronouncing their name is the first step to ensuring they feel that way.
I will make sure to ask my students privately how to pronounce their name and I’ll practice over & over until I get it right! If they have a nickname that they prefer to go by, (not to make it easier on anyone else) but like my current student Savi, he identifies with his nickname more, I’ll call them that. I want them to know that they’re important and that they matter to me.
The Hollywood story is upsetting and unfortunately, it happens far too often, but I’m glad the YouTuber was advocating for correct pronunciation of Quvenzhane’s name. It’s worth the effort to ask students, especially students of color, how to pronounce their name correctly. Every student should know they’re valued and correctly pronouncing their name is the first step to ensuring they feel that way.
I will make sure to ask my students privately how to pronounce their name and I’ll practice over & over until I get it right! If they have a nickname that they prefer to go by, (not to make it easier on anyone else) but like my current student Savi, he identifies with his nickname more, I’ll call them that. I want them to know that they’re important and that they matter to me.