Nicknames: "but my name's really Elizabeth!"

Nicknames: "but my name's really Elizabeth!"
Florence Harding: First Ladies' Lives

Skill: Elementary School
Time Required: One class period

Standards Compliance

NCSS Strand 1
Culture

NCSS Strand 4
Individual Development and Identity

NCTE Standard 9
Students develop an understanding and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures.

Introduction:

Helen Taft was called “Nellie.” Jacqueline Kennedy was called “Jackie.” Flo Harding was actually named Florence Mabel! Nicknames (or names used within the family) are often given to children with as much thought as their actual birth names.

Objectives:

The purpose of this lesson is for students to consider the use of nicknames, their special meanings, and to reflect upon the positive images that nicknames can depict.

Materials Required:

Paper Color pencils and other art supplies

Procedures:

Have students write their full names at the top of the page, then their nickname vertically underneath. If a student does not have a nickname, they can use the portion of their name by which they are called. Using the letters that spell their nickname, have students describe themselves with words that begin with the same letters. For example,

F faithful, fine

L leader, learned

O open, outgoing

Extending the Lesson:

Students may wish to illustrate the attributes rather than, or in addition to, using words.

Sources & Resources:

Credits:

This lesson was developed by Bette Brooks, Kent State University.

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