I had a student two years ago who adamantly wanted to be called Dumbledore as part of his acculturation process. (I remember the years we had to choose a new "Spanish" name when I was learning Spanish in high school.) I asked him and his mom what his given name was, calibrated a bit but still wanted to be called Dumbledore in class. I even spoke to the mom and said that we can learn his given name but she again insisted. So that is what we used. The classroom environment was interesting when he entered. Other students asked me if that was REALLY his name. They also asked me what that name meant... I think Sweet Home's diversity has made students aware of different languages around the world so they knew that wasn't his given name.
Now that I am thinking about it, I should have used that question as a learning moment and asked him to introduce himself with his given name and also state that he prefers to use Dumbledore and we will honor that.
I think calibrating is an on-going process and shows how you care. Being overbearing and insisting on a nickname or shorter name isn't culturally responsive or conducive to a respectful learning environment. Learning and practicing their given name is.
Now that I am thinking about it, I should have used that question as a learning moment and asked him to introduce himself with his given name and also state that he prefers to use Dumbledore and we will honor that.
I think calibrating is an on-going process and shows how you care. Being overbearing and insisting on a nickname or shorter name isn't culturally responsive or conducive to a respectful learning environment. Learning and practicing their given name is.