Activity Overview
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!
Template and Class Instructions
(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!
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the left hand column of the T Chart, write the letters of your name, one letter for each cell.
- On the right hand column, create an illustration in each cell using scenes, characters, and/or items, and write your descriptions in the speech bubbles.
- The pictures can represent the meaning of your name or the story behind how you got your name.
- You can create pictures and words in the speech bubbles to describe something about yourself: activities and hobbies you enjoy, your characteristics, your favorite color, animal, book, show, food, etc. Each word to describe yourself should start with the same letters as your name like an Acrostic Poem.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illustrations | The illustrations use appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the assignment. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
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!
Template and Class Instructions
(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!
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the left hand column of the T Chart, write the letters of your name, one letter for each cell.
- On the right hand column, create an illustration in each cell using scenes, characters, and/or items, and write your descriptions in the speech bubbles.
- The pictures can represent the meaning of your name or the story behind how you got your name.
- You can create pictures and words in the speech bubbles to describe something about yourself: activities and hobbies you enjoy, your characteristics, your favorite color, animal, book, show, food, etc. Each word to describe yourself should start with the same letters as your name like an Acrostic Poem.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illustrations | The illustrations use appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the assignment. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Your Name is a Song
How to Facilitate a Respectful Name Sharing Circle
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.
Model Correct Name Pronunciation for Students
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.
Encourage Students to Use Each Other’s Names
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.
Display a Name Pronunciation Chart in the Classroom
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Your Name is a Song
What is the 'Your Name is a Song' activity for classrooms?
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.
How do you create a T Chart about your name for students?
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.
What are some creative ways for students to share the story behind their names?
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.
Why is it important to teach students about the meaning of their names?
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.
What are some benefits of using 'Your Name is a Song' for back-to-school activities?
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.
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