Objective: These lessons are designed to help students understand how people get their names and the significance of names.

Lesson 1: Begin by asking students where their name came from. Keep a list of the different ways students got their name. For example,

•  Name of a relative or ancestor

•  Religious or mythological name

•  Name of a celebrity

Topic For Discussion: As a group, brainstorm the importance of names. (i.e. - names give each person an identify, names are part of a persons culture or heritage, etc.) Was there a naming ceremony? Was their name selected before they were born?

Lesson 2: Begin by having students watching the "Zulu Warriors" video. Discuss that Zulu dance and African dance often celebrate important events such as a weddings. Have students brainstorm what other types of events could be celebrated by dance.

Next, have learners look at the list of African names provided for you. As a group, read the list aloud pronouncing each name and its meaning. Next, have each student select a name from the list (or you may assign one to each student.)

Creative Writing Activity: Have learners write a short story about the meaning of their new African name and how they got that name. Encourage creativity and have students think about what they have learnt about South African cultures and people so far. For example,

•  Was there a naming ceremony or celebration?

•  Was there a dance or song performed at the event? If yes, explain.

•  Who selected their African name?

•  What is the significance of their African name?

Educator Notes : Before beginning, encourage your learners to respect the names of their classmates as well as names from other cultures. Even though the African names will be unfamiliar, encourage your learners to sound them out.

As a guide: Names on the list that begin with the letter "X" sound like the letter "K". Names that end with the letter "E" sound like "AY". Names with "PH" sound like a "P"

Student Assessment:  Students will demonstrate an understanding and respect behind the meanings of African names and those from their own culture.

Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Life Skills

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