WHAT'S IN A NAME? by Lorrieann Geyer (English instructor)
“Names” has been a common thread for several of our recent assignments. Using Google Classroom, students were presented with a variety of writings about names such as poems by the quirky Billy Collins, educational quotes by Albert Einstein and a slam poem about the importance of names.
The Nest students read “Charles” by Shirley Jackson where the premise of the story was based on a kindergarten boy named Laurie, 
who creates a pseudo character to take all the blame for his misdeeds at school. Although the story was first published in 1948, the story resonated with our students!
The Hive and Cave students read “The Rule of Names” by Ursula Le Guin. The story was first published in 1964 and is both Fantasy and Science Fiction. On the planet Earthsea it was a known rule to never ask someone their “true name” as it holds much 
power.
This concept reinforced the study of the student’s names and we were quite excited to research our own names. We discussed the importance of names and how in prisons, gangs, and during the Holocaust, individuals, were stripped of their names.
We will finish this unit with acrostic poetry that will reinforce the lesson and the importance of names and individuality. Students also completed a “Getting to know you” writing assignment and shared them with their peers.
Additionally, we completed a “multiple intelligence survey” based on Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory. Most students felt that the three intelligences that they scored the highest on were very accurate! A few students were surprised by their results and we took the opportunity to discuss activities that would address these strengths. An example of this would be someone who possesses both musical and interpersonal intelligences may want to perform with a band.
Off to a great start!! - Lorrieann Geyer
