What you will be able to do
explain that identity has many parts; show respect for people’s names and languages; name an action that helps someone belong
Identity, Names, Languages, and Belonging
How do names, languages, and experiences help shape identity and belonging?
Activate what you know
Listen to three fictional name cards: Amari, Lucía, and Minh. Notice that every name deserves patient, careful pronunciation
- identitythe many parts of who a person is and how that person understands themself
- namea word or set of words used to identify a person
- languagea system people use to communicate, including spoken and signed languages
- cultureshared ways of living, creating, communicating, and making meaning
- belongingfeeling accepted, included, and part of a group or place
- pronounceto say the sounds of a word or name
1
Every Person Has a Many-Part Identity
Identity includes many things: a person’s name, languages, interests, abilities, experiences, family and community connections, and ways the person describes themself. Some parts may be easy to see, while others are private or cannot be known by looking. Names can carry family, cultural, religious, or personal meaning, but we should not guess what a name means to someone. The respectful step is simple: listen, ask how to say the name, and practice. If we make a mistake, we can correct it and try again without making the person teach us repeatedly
2
Belonging Grows Through Everyday Actions
A classroom creates belonging when people can use their names, languages, communication tools, and ideas without being mocked. Someone who is learning the classroom language may understand much more than they can say aloud. An accent is simply one way speech sounds; it is not a measure of intelligence. Belonging does not mean everyone must become the same. We can invite someone into a game, make room for a mobility device, wait while a classmate communicates, and include books with varied characters. These actions show that every person is a full member of the community
Ask, Listen, Use
Ask how a person wants to be named. Listen to the answer. Use that name and pronunciation with care
Practice Without Putting Anyone on Display
Use fictional names and recorded pronunciations when possible. Do not ask one learner to speak for a language, culture, disability, or group
One Language Is Not a Sign of Greater Ability
A multilingual learner is using knowledge across languages. A person who signs or uses a communication device is communicating, not thinking less
Make a Belonging Plan
Choose a fictional classmate who is new, uses a walker, communicates by signing, or is learning the classroom language. Name two specific actions that would help the classmate participate without taking away choice
Identity has many parts. Respecting names, languages, communication, and differences helps people belong without asking them to become the same
Practice and answer guide
Work through all 8 questions. Open an answer only after you have written or explained your response.
- 1. Which choice is one part of identity? A. a person’s interests B. the weather at noon C. the length of a hallway
Check answer
A person’s interests
- 2. You are unsure how to say a classmate’s name. What should you do? A. ask and listen carefully B. make up an easier name C. avoid saying the name
Check answer
Ask and listen carefully
- 3. Name one way people can communicate besides spoken words
Check answer
Accept a valid example such as a signed language, gesture, picture, writing, facial expression, or communication device
- 4. A learner speaks with an accent. What does the accent tell you about the learner’s intelligence? A. nothing B. the learner is not smart C. the learner knows every answer
Check answer
Nothing. An accent does not measure intelligence
- 5. Draw a classroom action that helps someone belong
Check answer
Accept a specific inclusive action, such as making an accessible path, inviting participation, sharing materials, or listening patiently
- 6. Which sentence shows respect? A. Please tell me how to pronounce your name. B. Your name is too hard. C. Everyone should use the same language
Check answer
Please tell me how to pronounce your name
- 7. Why is a person’s identity more than one label?
Check answer
Identity includes many connected parts, such as names, languages, interests, experiences, abilities, and relationships
- 8. A classmate uses a communication device and needs more time to answer. What can the group do? A. wait and listen B. answer for the classmate C. leave the classmate out
Check answer
Wait and listen