On the first day, I play a game to help me remember their names quickly. The class sits in a circle, and you start with one person. The student says their name and favorite food. Going clockwise (or counter), the next student says their name and favorite food + the student's name and favorite food that had already gone. The third student would then say their name + the two student's answers and foods that had already gone. You repeat this process until you complete the circle. By the time we are done, I am the last one to go. It helps when you pick a unique category to bring up discussion, or something that can relate to your class. It puts a little pressure on them, but I remind them that they should all know one another's names anyway. If you know a student may struggle, or have stage fright, you can start with them to reduce the anxiety. This activity can take a while, but I know all 150 names by the end of the day.
By Ms. Matsunaga
