What’s In a Name? – A Class Activity to Build Trust and Engagement

Learning students’ names is more than a courtesy. It’s a powerful tool for building inclusion and belonging. In this session, I will demonstrate a simple, yet transformative first-day activity that helps students share the stories behind their names, fostering cultural and emotional intelligence. This early vulnerability creates lasting bonds that strengthen classroom community and collaboration throughout the semester. Participants will experience the full exercise, connecting with fellow-attendees while exploring the deeper meanings names carry. I will share an abbreviated version of the pre-class reading, discuss implementation tips and the research supporting this approach. Come ready to share your name story!