WHAT'S IN A NAME?

"It is through our names that we first place ourselves in the world. Our names, being the gift of others, must be made our own."

-Ralph Ellison, American Author

When we meet someone new, our name is usually one of the first things they learn about us. For many people, their name is an incredibly important connection to their identity and individuality. For others, it's representative of a cultural or family history. Names tell an important story about a person's history, identity, and more.

ACTIVITY

Play around with the letters of Little's and/or Big's name to create an acrostic poem. An acrostic poem is created by using the letters in your name to lead each line of a poem. You can work together to create acrostic poems or you can work individually to create an acrostic poem with your own names to share with each other. You can challenge yourselves by writing an acrostic poem using the other's name!

Example 1: Mae

Marvelous

Awesome

Excellent

Example 2: Brent

Bat swinging

Rippling air

Enthralled spectators

Nibbling on cotton candy

Triumphant team cheering

TO GO DEEPER

If you could change your name, would you? Big and Little, take some time to share with one another more details about your own name. Consider the following questions:

Who are you named after and why?
From where does your name originate?
Who named you? Who chose the spelling of your name?
Does your name hold any special meaning for you or your family?
Do you have any memories or stories about your name?
Do you have a nickname that you prefer or appreciate?
Do you like your name? Why or why not?

For older Littles, and if/when time allows, think beyond your name: What other characteristics do you consider as most or very important to your identity?

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