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The Name game; remembering student names the first week of school
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Connect students with names
There are few teaching strategies more effective than learning student names quickly at the beginning of the school year. This can be a challenging task. Typical class loads range from 135-175 students. How can a teacher place a name with a face in one week? Why is it important that she remember these names in one week?
Students know that the first week or two of class is their opportunity to establish themselves, to stand out. For students who are apprehensive about class content-particularly in the academic subjects- getting noticed can take the form of acting out in class. This is less likely to occur if the teacher knows their name. Aside from potential discipline problems, shy students, backward students, and bright students are going to respond positively to a teacher who has taken the trouble to identify them early by calling them by name.
How does a teacher accomplish this task quickly? On the first day of class, distribute index cards and colorful pens and markers to students. Ask each student to write his name on the index card, and add that he is welcome to draw a small picture or symbol that represents him. Then ask each student to fold the card and display it on their desk. Even high school students enjoy this opportunity to be creative. Collect the cards at the end of the period and file them in a class folder.
The second day of class, distribute the name cards, and ask students to display them on their desks. Give them about 10 minutes to circulate with a "get to know you" sheet, enabling them to ask each other general questions and to collect signatures. The student with the most signatures wins credit for participation.
The third day of class distribute the name cards and ask students to display them on their desks. Then ask them to turn the cards face down. Recruit a volunteer to attempt to name every student in class. If they miss one name, they have to sit down. Usually, several students attempt this before succeeding, which makes it easier for the teacher to concentrate on memorizing the names as well. Reward the students who succeed in naming every student successfully.
A teacher who uses this method, is going to learn student names within a week. Consequently, the rest of the school year is off to good start.
