March 2020
Everybody Knows My Name
I recently came back from a wonderful visit to Israel. In the short time I was there, I walked for miles, visited with family, slept in five different cities, explored underground caves, and attended an historic event. Every day was different but one thing stayed the same; everybody knew my name.
As soon as I arrived at the airport and handed my passport to the person behind the counter, I was met with “Shalom, Geula,” no quizzical looks and pondering how does one pronounce that name.
In the coffee shop in the morning, the barista heard my name and was able to spell it on my cup.
In the hotel, the woman at the desk pulled up my reservation and greeted me by name (pronouncing it perfectly).
None of this is surprising for anyone reading this with an English name. But, growing up with a Hebrew name in an English-speaking country, it’s surprising, exciting and comforting all at the same time.
Every time someone said my name, I thought about the importance of a name in building a positive relationship with another person.
In school, teachers work hard to learn everyone’s name quickly to assure that they feel connected and know that they belong. Greeting someone by name reassures them that they are in a safe trusting environment.
Knowing someone’s name is the foundation to positive relationship building. When young children have close and dependable relationships they are assured that the people around them are there to provide love and nurturance. The sense of security provided by the responsive interactions encourages children to grow and thrive. Children know when they are in the presence of caring adults, and they attend to what those adults say and do.
Home visits, photo books, slow transitions and small group learning are some of the key components our school has in place to foster those kind of relationships. When children come in to the classroom, they see their names on the wall, their names on their cubbies, and their pictures all around. In this way the environment itself supports the loving connection.
Teachers intentionally say children’s names, look at them closely and make positive affirming statements to children throughout the day. In this way, we give them the chance to know they are loved and they belong.
Every child who comes to school at Agudath Israel knows that once they enter the door,” everyone knows my name.”
