Minds On

Your name, your life

We all have names, but what do they mean? Where did they come from? Why were you given your specific name? In this learning activity, we will explore the unique stories behind our names and the way they shape who we are.

Meet Duana Taha, author of The Name Therapist and a TV screenwriter. In the following video, “What’s in a Name?,” Duana shares the importance, culture, and meaning behind everyone’s name and the way they affect who we are.

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

Think about your own name. Why is it important to you? How does it represent who you are? If possible, share your ideas with a partner. Think about the similarities and differences in your ideas.

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Acknowledgements(Opens in a new window)

Action

Research

Use print and/or digital resources to research your name. Use the following questions to guide your research and make notes on your findings.

  • What geographical location or language does your name come from?
  • What does your name mean?
  • Are there any current or historical figures that share your name?
A magnifiying glass with the word “Research” separates a boy and girl who are reading

Investigate

Interview a parent, guardian, or another adult in your family to learn about how you got your name. If possible, talk to the person who gave you your name. Ask them questions like the ones below to learn more information about your name. Then, add this new information to your notes.

  • Why did you give me my name?
  • What does my name mean to you?
Inside thought bubbles floating on a tree are: five question marks and a girl’s face

Reflect

Now it’s your turn. What do you think of your name? Do you think your name fits who you are? How has it helped to share your story? Add your thoughts to your notes.

Create

Using the notes that you have gathered, create a visual representation of your name. You may use any materials and tools to create your collage, such as paint, cardboard, photos, or videos. As you create, use the following questions as a checklist for your collage.

  • Does the piece include my name?
  • Does the piece explain the meaning of my name?

Is there anything I might add or change to help others better understand my name collage?

Name tag with wording Hello! My name is.. and a blank spot to fill in a name

Consolidation

Journal

Test Your Skills!

Reflect in a journal

In a journal, reflect on today’s learning activity. Use the following ideas to guide your reflection:

  • Summarize what you learned about your name.
  • Explain the piece you created, including your process and the ways that you communicate meaning with your classmates.
  • Reflect on your strengths. What components of your work are you proud of?
  • Reflect on your next steps. If you were to modify your work or do it again, what would you do differently? Why would you make those changes?

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.