Learning My Name

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Name

Step 1

Have your students watch the embedded Ted Talk about the importance of one’s name.

Step 2

Watch the performance of “Learning My Name” by Marjan Naderi. Then discuss the similarities in content between the two videos.

Step 3

Give your students some time to think about the significance or the history behind their own names. Some students may have a rich history, while some students may have no history; this is perfectly fine. Some students have written about how “bland” their names are, some have written about wishing they had another name, etc. Give these students some room to be creative.

Step 4

Tell your students to write a poem around the significance (or insignificance) of their names.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses with one another.

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Various

Step 1

This lesson allows students to analyze various concepts and skills, so it is recommended that you have covered several of the “standalone” lessons before assigning this one. The prominent literary devices & techniques that this particular poem includes are: tone, diction, selection of detail, figurative language, and structure (general).

Step 2

Watch the following Ted Talk about the importance of one’s name.

Step 3

Watch the performance of “Learning My Name” by Marjan Naderi. Then discuss the similarities in content between the two videos.

Step 4

Have your students open the document, go over the instructions, and read a few of the examples provided. For this assignment, your students will have to pick one line from the poem and construct an “editorial” style analysis response around it. Then give them time to work.

Step 5

When your students are done, have several of them share their responses. If time permits, show the exemplar essay.