Ways to Learn Names When You Are A Specials Teacher

Okay, special teachers, let's talk about learning students' names.  Some people are fantastic at remembering names, me not so much.  Special teachers, aka gym, music, art, STEM, science lab, and any other teacher seeing all students are in a unique situation.




What makes it so challenging to remember names as a special teacher?

  • We only see the students once or twice a week.  
  • We have hundreds of students, easily 600-800 for many.
  • We work in more than one building.  Just changing locations can throw us off in remembering names.
  • Our class period is short.  30-45 minutes does not give you a lot of time to focus on names.  You have a lesson you need to complete, along with all the other classroom management stuff.
  • Many teach on a cart and do not have a designated classroom.  We are navigating a room that is not our own.  The plus is that the students might have their names on their desks.


Here are some tips for helping to learn names.

  • Create a seating chart and keep it on a clipboard while teaching.
  • Create foldable name plates that students take out during class or name tags. 
  • Have the students say their names when they are called on.  They might be confused by this, but explain to them how hard it is for you to remember names with so many students.  They will know you are trying.
  • Take photos of the students wearing their name tags.  Put the pictures with the seating chart.  Review before each class.
  • Say their name when passing out papers.  "Here you go, Aiden.
  • Choose a group to focus on in each class.  Spend time with that group using their names and interacting.
  • Greet students as they walk in the door or as they are leaving the class.  This is if you have your own classroom.  If not, try to say their name when you see them in the hallway.
  • Come up with rhymes or funny phrases to remember students' names.  Tim lost a tooth. Lisa likes to laugh.  

Managing everything in the classroom can be quite challenging. As the school year progresses, it becomes easier to overlook the strategies. Additionally, school breaks can also pose a challenge. Hence, it is crucial to integrate these strategies upon returning from a long break, as it is likely that you may forget some names.

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