Calling students by name
I try to learn all my students names the very first day. When I see students in the hallway I always greet them with their first name(if I can remember it) and ask them how their classes are going.
I enjoy being able the connection that is formed with the curtsey in knowing and acknowledging a student as a person.
I'm not very good with remembering names but adding a name tag to their desk is very helpful and it also helps the other students learn others names.
Edward,
Simple and effective - Thanks for sharing.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I use 3 x 5 index cards and ask the students to put their name, address, phone number[s], and email addresses, birthday, anniversary date, if they have children and their ages, if they have pets, where they were born and their favorite color.
Then, every time the class meets I try to insure that I pronounce their name correctly and ask if they have a preferred name rather than their legal name. After the first couple of classes I try to identify the person by sight and then call their name. I can usually begin to do that about the 3rd class. Generally, by the end of the 2nd week, I have learned their names.
I then have the additional information on my card to contact them in an emergency, ask about their children or their pets, wish them a "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary."
Wendy,
This is a simple thing that really makes a difference. Thanks for sharing this. Do you have "tricks" to help you learn names quickly?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I feel it is very important to address the students by their names. It makes them feel very important. So I make it a point to know my students names as well as other students in the school.
This is very true. I have tought internetional students and local students with very individual names. They do appreciate their name being pronounced right, and it does show you care. It could be offensive to some students if you pronounce their name wrong, and it could be as simple as calling Christine "Christina".
Sharon,
Learning names is a little thing that has a big impact. Thanks!
Jeffrey Schillinger
I ask students their names or have them wear their nametags in the first week too. That way I can learn there names within a very short time.
It is easy to remember the loud students or the smart students. I have a hard time with the shy, quiet students. Now I make a point to go up to them and tell them that I am not going to let them hide and I make it a point to make sure that I learn them names.
I start the first day of class off with a little get to know session. I go around the room and ask them to tell me their first and last name , Where they are from , the last course they were in and if they are taking any MSAT's.On the first day i get quite a few chances to match names and faces. Usually within a day , i get a good grip on all my students names. They find it respectful when you care enough to remember them by name and not by seat #....
I'm stealing this idea, I love it. I have always done some form of getting to know you/ meet and greet but, this method of student community building is gold!
Call them by name with a big smile that says that you are thrilled to have them in the class
I learn all students names by about the 3rd day of class, and it is nice to see them smile and acknowledge me when I call and get the name right.
You also have to know something about the student besides their name. It doesn't have to be a lot maybe their favorite tv show, do they have a pet or what sport fo they like. On the first day of class we do a ice braker and I'm able to get information that I can use it throughout the class.
Carolyn,
I recommend you do an activity like this nearly every day.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I always do an ice breaker on the first day of class and ask for a few things: Name, where they grew up and something that makes them special or unique. That way I get the correct pronunciation of their name and learn a bit about them right off the bat. Whether it's pronouncing their name correctly, using a nickname that they like or asking about work/family/current concerns for a minute, it only takes a tiny effort to make someone feel valued and understood.
I agree--Students light up when you remember their name it gives them a sense of assurance
It is important to know who your students are. Calling them by name makes them feel they be long. Ask how everything is going. Make students feel comfortable
I agree. I think it is very important to maintain that connection with the students, so they understand someone cares how they are doing in their classes and at the school.
