My Fullest Name

Overview

This activity is designed to be used during the first week or two of classes, to start building rapport amongst students, especially within their teams. Students are asked to answer a series of questions about their name. The goal of this activity is to share histories, cultural stories, and cultivate interpersonal understanding. It’s a non-confrontational way to show difference that requires no “us vs them” dynamics. There’s also an opportunity for people to ask questions and make conversation after everyone in the group has the chance to talk about their Fullest Name.

Useful for

Procedure

Share the purpose of the activity, orally and in writing. Also, explain that the activity is to help the students to begin to form communities within their teams.
Model the activity by sharing the story of your own name(s) – see prompts below.
Break students into teams and invite students to tell their teammates the story of their name(s). Give students the following prompts:
- Who gave you your name? Why that name?
- Do you know the origin of your name?
- Do you have two names? One in your mother tongue, one in English? Can you write your mother tongue name for your team mates?
- Do you have any nicknames? If so, how did you get them?
- What is your preferred name?
- What are your preferred pronouns?

Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging