Names are the First Lesson
Start the year with connection, confidence, and correct pronunciation.
There’s a moment every teacher knows all too well. Looking at your new class roster for the first time. There is a sense of excitement and panic. Pausing and wondering, is it “Ann-uh” or “Ah-nuh”?
Some names feel familiar, while others spark a quiet panic. What if I say it wrong? Will I embarrass the student, or myself?
This uncertainty is entirely normal. The good news is that many students are not expecting perfection. Instead, they are hoping for care and effort.
A name is more than a label. Getting it right, especially early on, can go a long way in creating an inclusive and respectful classroom environment.
- Affirms identity: Pronouncing a student’s name correctly shows who they are matters.
- Builds trust: It conveys that students are seen, valued, and welcome in your classroom.
- Models respect: When you prioritize correct pronunciation, students learn to do the same for one another.
When it’s not handled well, it can have real consequences. Consistent mispronunciation, joking about a name, or skipping over it altogether can lead to feelings of exclusion or shame. Even public figures have spoken out about this. Zendaya and Rihanna have both shared how often their names are said incorrectly. These are not just celebrity anecdotes; they are reminders that everyone deserves to be addressed with accuracy and dignity.
You don’t need to get every name right on the first try. What matters most is how you respond when you don’t:
“I want to make sure I say your name correctly—can you repeat it for me?”
“Thanks for your patience. I’m working on it and want to get it right.”
“Did I say that better today?”
This approach does more than fix a mispronunciation; it models humility and commitment to building a supportive and safe classroom.
Keep a “name notes” section in your roster, seating chart, and/or sub notes. Jot down phonetic spellings, audio references, or pronunciation tips. Your future self, and your students, will thank you.
Whether it’s Alicia (Uh-LEE-shuh) or Alicia (Uh-LEE-see-uh), Ravi (RAH-vee or RUV-ee), or Nguyen (Win), names matter. They are the foundation of identity and often the first opportunity educators have to show students they not only belong but are welcome.
Taking the time to learn and use names correctly is not just a courtesy. It’s essential in creating a classroom where every learner feels safe, seen, and ready to grow.
Get our free Back-to-School Name Games and learn fun, low-stress ways to practice names while building community.
