Getting Names Right in Class: teachers’ guide

1. Practice pronunciation before term starts

Preparing ahead takes some of the pressure off the student whose name may be unfamiliar to you. Read class lists ahead of time and check using online tools, such as NameShouts, the common pronunciation of any names unfamiliar to you. This can be checked later with the student to ensure it is how the student pronounces their own name.

Ideally, students can be asked to provide their own recording of their name in an audio name badge, using tools such as Name Coach, which can be embedded in their email signature or profile.

2. On Day One

Ask each student to say their own name. This will get you and rest of the class familiar with how students say their own name. Normalise caring about getting it right and asking the student to teach you the correct pronunciation of their name and correct you until it is acceptable to them.

Model greeting everyone by name and using their name in interactions, and normalise correct pronunciation of names – encouraging everyone to correct (politely) the pronunciation of their names and the names of others. Research shows brains ‘light up’ when someone hears their own name, however mispronunciation can feel alienating.

Help others by normalising the use of embedded audio name badges and pronunciation guides (both are offered here NameCoach ) and name tents or badges (with pronunciation guides) to ensure names can be used and pronounced correctly from the outset.

Some find it difficult to correct mispronunciations of their names but the longer a name is mispronounced, the harder it is to change that. If you hear someone’s name being shortened or mispronounced, offer some help, "The H is silent in her name", "Are you talking about Thomas? He doesn’t go by Tom". ​

If people often find your name difficult to pronounce or spell, offer some tips along with your introduction, such as, ‘Hi my name is Ennis, like ‘tennis’.

3. Ask Privately

If a student seems to be adopting a westernised name or pronunciation, check with them privately if they would prefer to use another name or pronunciation. They may offer an altered name for their own benefit and so respect their preference.

4. Get Familiar

Familiarity helps and so build in activities which give students the opportunity to say their own name to model correct pronunciation.

Be aware that some activities that rely on using names may cause exclusion and anxiety as they usually leave the person with the unfamiliar name till last – and they do notice. Make an effort to call on those with names that are unfamiliar or design activities that do not rely on calling others by name.

Use and create resources with diverse names to broaden students’ familiarity with other cultures. See the Brown Books Project here for schools years Reception to Y13.

5. Celebrate

Embed activities which encourage everyone to celebrate their own names and be curious about the names of others, as a way of building connections, showing respect and increasing intercultural awareness.