Sub Teacher: Can You Remember names?

How Do You Remember Names?

Have you ever heard your name called out in the midst of a busy crowded place? Did you divert your attention from all of the surrounding distractions and "zero in" on the person who spoke your name. Even if the caller was not someone you know, and even if the call was directed at someone else with the same name -- you heard it loud and clear.

As a substitute teacher in an unfamiliar classroom, being able to call a student by name is a powerful attention-getter. Students do not expect the sub to know their names. If i am not supplied with a seating chart, I always try to make one for myself by any means possible.

If I see isolated desks, it sometimes -- not always-- means that student has trouble working with others. I try to remember those names, I will usually need to know.

When I arrive at the classroom door, I always introduce myself an ask the names of the first few students in line. They are often some of the more outgoing kids and will invariably turn out to be either the most helpful or the most challenging. I will know their names.

When i get a chance to circulate around the room casually checking the work being done ( and sometimes filling in my seating chart) I notice certain names-- and I remind others to put their names on their papers. I say things like " You are off to a good start, Jennifer", " Gerardo remembered to put the page number on his work", (Quietly) "Are you having trouble getting started, Todd?" "Kate, I'm glad to see you are showing your calculations."

Many students are astounded that I should know their names, Until others point out that they have written it at the top of their paper. Still, that simple awareness makes an impression. If I have once "noticed" them by name, they tend to think that I will remember them and their behavior.

Seven things you can remember

If you have trouble remembering names in a classroom size group, here are a few suggestions:

1.) Do not insist that you "cannot remember names". You can probably remember at least three or four. Now build on that fact. Maybe five or six?

2.) Don't expect to remember ALL of the names in one day.

3.) Use charts and name-tags whenever possible. Look at names on papers in progress as you circulate -- and remind those who have forgotten to put names on papers.

4.) USE the names you DO remember. Question, encourage and appoint students by name. When you use a few, others tend to think you know all of the names.

5.) Focus on "leaders" You can communicate with the most helpful and the most challenging.

6.) Try teaching yourself a few name-word association ricks. You can improve this skill. For instance, if you have a Rochelle in your class-- visualize her wearing a "row of shells" around her neck. If you have a Donna, Imagine her with the "dawn" breaking.

7.)Realize that, though it might be nice, it is not necessary to remember all of the names-- especially for a one day assignment.