What do you Think?? REFLECT: Do you recall a student who had a “nickname” given because others’ couldn’t pronounce it? What was the effect? What are your thoughts about the Hollywood story provided?
I cringe at the amount of times I've been a a witness to this. It is hard to say how this may have impacted the person, I think a lot of times as humans we have such a huge desire to fit in that we often will mask our true feelings in order to feel a part of a group. I've known many students in my 16 years of teaching that have had their name mispronounced for years before correcting someone, including by me. When we know better we can do better, I try very hard now to make sure I'm pronouncing students name correctly and calling them what they want to be called.
I completely agree with the authors point about the Hollywood story. The care put into pronouncing names should apply to everyone, names matter!
Now What?? OPPORTUNITY TO GROW: What steps can you take in your class or school that will show respect and honor toward one or more of your students?
I think Jennifer had some very practical advice as to how to respectfully approach pronouncing students names. As teachers we should be asking, taking notes, and practicing. Most importantly it is really one of the most basic ways to show a person you care about them, knowing their name, seems like a no brainer, right? We can also serve as a model for our students so that they can do the same.
I cringe at the amount of times I've been a a witness to this. It is hard to say how this may have impacted the person, I think a lot of times as humans we have such a huge desire to fit in that we often will mask our true feelings in order to feel a part of a group. I've known many students in my 16 years of teaching that have had their name mispronounced for years before correcting someone, including by me. When we know better we can do better, I try very hard now to make sure I'm pronouncing students name correctly and calling them what they want to be called.
I completely agree with the authors point about the Hollywood story. The care put into pronouncing names should apply to everyone, names matter!
Now What?? OPPORTUNITY TO GROW: What steps can you take in your class or school that will show respect and honor toward one or more of your students?
I think Jennifer had some very practical advice as to how to respectfully approach pronouncing students names. As teachers we should be asking, taking notes, and practicing. Most importantly it is really one of the most basic ways to show a person you care about them, knowing their name, seems like a no brainer, right? We can also serve as a model for our students so that they can do the same.