Materials: Chart paper, markers
Create a T-chart on the chart paper with three headers: “Speaker,” “What They Say” and “What It Teaches.” Title the chart “What Does the Child Learn About Their Name?” As students read, stop when family members explain their name, and record what each person contributes. Students should notice that the mother connects their name to softness and care, the father connects it to courage and care for the land and the grandfather connects it to olives and family memory.
After each entry, ask students to explain how the child’s understanding grows. Help them see that the meaning of their name is built piece by piece through family, place, memory and love.
Discussion Questions:
- What new information does the child learn?
- How does each family member add a different meaning?
- Why does the child become proud of their name?
Extension: Students complete a smaller version of the chart in pairs.
Student Product: Name Meaning Chart