The book Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thomkins-Bigelow is an important and empowering story of a young girl who is frustrated with her teachers mispronouncing her name. She learns the beautiful history and culture behind her name as she walks through the city with her mother. After reading the story aloud and discussing it with the class, students can make a storyboard about their own name using illustrations and descriptions to explain its meaning or origin. Using a T Chart, they can have the letters of their name on the left and illustrations on the right.
Not all students will have deep meanings or stories attached to their name, and that's okay! Students may also create an acrostic poem where the cell beside each letter includes pictures or words beginning with that letter that relate to the student. For example, they could name and illustrate activities or hobbies that they enjoy, personality traits, their favorite color, food, animals, etc. These provide a great opportunity for students to memorize the names of their peers as well as encourage classroom community by learning more about one another. These storyboards can also be printed to create a beautiful and meaningful classroom decoration!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a T Chart to teach the class about your name and about you!
Start your lesson by gathering students in a circle and inviting each child to share their name and what it means to them. Encourage students to speak slowly and clearly to model correct pronunciation for the group. This builds community and sets a positive, inclusive tone.
Ask each student how to pronounce their name, then repeat it back carefully. Let them correct you if needed. This shows respect and helps everyone learn the correct pronunciation.
Prompt students to address classmates by name during discussions and activities. Remind them to use the correct pronunciation when calling on peers or giving compliments. This practice helps build belonging and reinforces memory.
Create a simple chart with each student's name written phonetically and a fun illustration. Post it somewhere visible as an ongoing reference. This helps everyone remember names and feel valued.
The 'Your Name is a Song' activity uses Jamilah Thomkins-Bigelow's book to help students explore the meaning and uniqueness of their names. Students create storyboards or T Charts to illustrate and describe their names, fostering self-expression and classroom community.
To create a T Chart about your name, write each letter of your name in the left column. In the right column, add illustrations and words that represent the meaning, origin, or personal traits and interests starting with each letter. This can be combined with an acrostic poem approach.
Students can share their name stories by making illustrated storyboards, designing T Charts with drawings and descriptions, or writing acrostic poems where each letter of their name highlights their interests or traits. These activities encourage personal reflection and peer learning.
Teaching students about the meaning of their names promotes self-identity, confidence, and respect for diversity. It helps build a more inclusive classroom by valuing each student's background and encouraging understanding among peers.
Using 'Your Name is a Song' at the start of the year helps students feel seen and valued, builds community, and encourages respect for names and cultures. It also provides a creative way for students to introduce themselves and learn about classmates.