Names matter. Of course, this is nothing new to anyone here, and I am not presenting it as such, but I am presenting it as one of the first and most important connections we make with our kids. We have to learn names quickly and use them frequently.

One of the simplest ways for the first days is to have kids make “name tents,” a piece of paper folded in thirds with the name written on the middle third, and then formed into a “tent” to be placed on the front of their desks. Some teachers have kids include other “get-to-know-ya” information about themselves (many possibilities here), but I just have them write in large letters the name they would like me to use. I ask the kids to keep and use these for the first five days.

In my room, I don’t use a seating chart, so the name tents are vital to my getting to know kids’ names. But beyond seeing the names, I say the names. With each interaction, I say a kid’s name.

“Wow, Lexi, that must have been a blast!”

“Great question, Lance.”

I do this all year. I try to use kids’ names as frequently as possible. I think there is something to hearing our names. It makes us feel acknowledged and connected, so I use it for that purpose.

As many of you know, I do Smiles and Frowns every day. And beyond getting to know my kids better, it provides an opportunity to say each kid’s name every day as we go around the room sharing our Smiles and Frowns. A little thing perhaps, but I want to believe that it matters to the kids, that it does make them feel acknowledged, that it does make them feel connected. More, I have found that my modeling this has resulted in the kids’ not only knowing each other’s names, but also kids’ using each other’s names in their interactions.

I know many of you may find this as “teaching 101,” and I am sorry if you feel as if I have merely pointed out the obvious, but I felt it worth mentioning as we gear up for another year. Names matter.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.