What's in a Name?

Why did Tyshaun cringe when he listened to his classmates at the beginning of the story?

• They talked too loudly to each other.

• They pronounced Oludemilade's name wrong.

• They called him Shaun instead of Tyshaun.

• They ignored the new student in class.

When Tyshaun was new to the school, his classmates mispronounced his name. How did he try to solve this problem?

• He wrote his name in large letters on the blackboard every day.

• He did a presentation on the cultural meaning of his name.

• He spent a lot of time in the early weeks correcting his classmates.

• He let people call him Ty or Shaun instead of calling him by his full name.

What conclusion can you draw from this evidence?

• Tyshan and Oludemilade's parents did not have a lot of information about where their names came from.

• Tyshaun wanted to interview Oludemilade's parents again to find out more about Nigeria.

• Both Tyshaun and Oludemilade's names had important meanings that expressed parts of their family and cultural history.

• Oludemilade felt shy when speaking in front of the class and wanted Tyshaun to go first.

How did Jenna and Marisa react to Tyshaun and Oludemilade's presentation?

• Jenna and Marisa decided to share their own naming stories to try to get a better grade.

• Jenna and Marisa complimented the boys on the colorful posters they used in their presentation.

• Jenna and Marisa wanted to interview their parents to find out what their names mean.

• Jenna and Marisa apologized and complimented the boys on the interesting stories of their names.

What is one main theme of this story?

• All students should work hard on school projects in order to get good grades and impress their classmates.

• It is important to respect people's names because they may have powerful cultural and personal meanings to people.

• Speaking up and answering questions in class will help people remember your name.

• Teachers want everyone to be on time and participate during big class presentations.