I have definitely mispronounced students name throughout the year. Last year, I had a student in class who was absolute sweetheart. I was saying her name wrong for like the first month of school. She never corrected me. One day all her friends were like “Ms. Bruce its Fahtima not Faaaitma.” I was like omg I didn’t realize. I felt terrible. I couldn’t apologize enough. I wanted to get it right. I wanted to show her and the kids that I respected her enough to get her name right! I was so proud and thankful for the kids for correcting me. I love how they spoke up and supported her. That’s so important. Some steps I have taken since this happened last year is to have kids record their full names in notability when we begin the year. In September the kids complete a getting to know you activity. The kids tell me all sorts of things about themselves. First and foremost however they speak their name. Having the ability to go back and listen and practice has been super helpful. Hearing the kids speak their story is important.
