Remembering Names

[chocaholic]

If I was in a school that has a high EAL intake, I would ask one of the children to stand next to me when doing the register, and check with them how the names are correctly said...I didn't have any problems with this...

[janeb]

Originally Posted by Cole
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So what about the kids who won't speak/ or don't have sufficent english to understand? Or won't co-operate? I would be scared to try this approach

I've never really had any problems (although to be fair, EAL isn't generally a problem in my area)- sometimes, if children are a little quiet/shy/unwilling etc, the rest of the class just help them along.

It's done in a very relaxed way so there is no pressure on anyone, especially if I explain that I'm doing it so I don't make a mistake with the names!

Every class I have taught in this way, always requests it when I return.

[nmacnab]

I like some of the
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s on here. My sister has used stickers before which worked until she got to know the class better. Some of the imaginative
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s on here are great. Just try not to give your pupils numbers as one of my teachers did. Not good.

[Rachwins]

I'm hopeless with names - I have my last class for two years and I still struggled to recall them somedays - I'd do the typical grandad thing of going through half of the class before I arrived at their name...

[clarabelle]

I'm starting with my new part-time class tomorrow and i'm going to get them to write their names on sticky labels. And give a sticker to anyone who still has it on at the end of the day!!!!!

[CassieCockers]

I use stickers wherever I go in primary - at the top end of the age range I let them write their own if there's time. At the bottom end I talk to each and every one of them as they come in and settle down etc - how are you today? type thing, writing their label as I talk to them. They loving labels mostly and are not bothered about others seeing them in the school. If one or two refuse (I have had a
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) you tend to remember who they are just because they don't have a sticker. By the time the stickers have started peeling off you've got most of their names sorted.

I always spend some time doing this because in my experience it's easier to control behaviour etc if you can call a child by name rather than oi, you!

[KaelMorgan]

A fun game I participated in when I was a TA helped get me off to a good start with the names of the children in the new class.

The
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of the game is that everyone (including you) gather in a circle and have to say your name and an adjective that 'decribes' you. Mine was 'Mad Morgan'. Then, going around the circle, the children have to say all the names that came before them, then add their own on until it gets back to you. It gets progressively harder, but you'll find the children helping each other and you'll be mentally noting their names.

I find the adjective helps you to remember their name because it's illiterative and if you can't remember the child's name you more often than not find yourself remembering their adjective: 'She described herself as cute... Cute Cassie!'

Plus, if you or any other of the children get it wrong it's all fun and games!

[Patchi]

Originally Posted by KaelMorgan
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A fun game I participated in when I was a TA helped get me off to a good start with the names of the children in the new class.

The
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
of the game is that everyone (including you) gather in a circle and have to say your name and an adjective that 'decribes' you. Mine was 'Mad Morgan'. Then, going around the circle, the children have to say all the names that came before them, then add their own on until it gets back to you. It gets progressively harder, but you'll find the children helping each other and you'll be mentally noting their names.

I find the adjective helps you to remember their name because it's illiterative and if you can't remember the child's name you more often than not find yourself remembering their adjective: 'She described herself as cute... Cute Cassie!'

Plus, if you or any other of the children get it wrong it's all fun and games!

I remember doing this on my first day of my degree!!
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[crypt25]

Don't bother learning names if it is just a day. i always point with my whole hand flat (in a sweeping motion) and say 'young lady' or 'young man'. Try not to get those two mixed up as you offend the adults in the room, not the children, lol.
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I have no
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why I get asked back to schools!!!

[magicstars]

I had a class of year 2s today with 11 boys, all of whom were blonde haired with very similar haircuts and body size!! Ended up having to remember them (in my head!) as "boy with ripped trousers" "boy with muddy shoes".. unfortunately after lunch that stopped being helpful.. stickers next time!!