The start of the school year is full of new faces, routines, and challenges. But one of the most powerful ways to build trust and belonging from day one is surprisingly simple: learn how to pronounce every student’s name correctly.

And I don’t mean close enough. I mean properly.

Why it matters

A name is more than a label. It’s a piece of identity, history, and family. When we change a student’s name into something that “sounds more English,” or decide it’s “too difficult” to say correctly, we’re sending a message, often unintentionally, that their identity needs to be adjusted to fit in.

For multilingual learners, who may already be navigating culture shock, language barriers, and feelings of isolation, hearing their name spoken with care can be a lifeline. It says:

You belong here as you are.

“But I’m worried I’ll get it wrong…”

We all stumble over unfamiliar sounds at first, that’s okay. What matters is that we make the effort to learn. Students notice when we try, and they notice when we don’t.

As a former EAL coordinator, I made it a priority to ask all new multilingual students to pronounce their name for me. I’d record it (with their permission) and share the clip with my colleagues so they could practice before meeting them. A few minutes of practice made all the difference.

Practical tips to get it right:

• Ask and listen — Give the student space to say their name as they would at home.
  
• Repeat back — Say it out loud and ask if you’re close. Adjust until they’re happy.
  
• Write it down phonetically — Not for them, but for you. A quick guide in your notes will help you remember.
  
• Practice before class — If you have the name list early, look for recordings or ask a colleague who speaks the language.
  
• Model it for others — Correct mispronunciations gently but consistently.
  

Bring it into the classroom

If you work with younger learners, or simply want to open up a discussion about names, identity, and belonging, there are some wonderful picture books that can help:

• Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow – A lyrical, joyful celebration of the music and meaning in names.
• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi – A heartfelt story about a new student navigating her name in a new country.

These books can spark conversations, empathy, and pride in the rich variety of names in your classroom.

The takeaway

No name is “too difficult.”

If a student can learn to pronounce names in English, we can learn their name in return.

This school year, let’s make it our mission:

Every student’s name, pronounced right, every time. It’s a small act with a big impact.