Pronouncing students names correctly is important to me. I ask all students at the beginning of each year to correct me if I say their name incorrectly or if I use a name different from the one they prefer. I read the book "Speak Up" at the beginning of the year that encourages students to speak up in a variety of situations including when someone is mispronouncing their name. We have also discussed how students can speak up for each other when they recognize an adult saying a name incorrectly. This year I had one girl help me out with her friends name by giving me a tip for proper pronunciation. I am proud that they recognize the importance and that they help one another in that way. I worry that sometimes I am unintentionally a fumble-bumbler where I believe that I am pronouncing a students name correctly but am not. If I'm ever unsure, I do try to check in with them during the year, but I am always trying to get better.
