A child's name is their most important word, and oftentimes the first word they learn to read and write. Names connect to our identity and may also hold a cultural or family history significance. Being playful with student names is a great way to build community amongst peers and foster student empathy, friendship and respect. Names are meaningful words for children to play with phonological and phonemic awareness skills and provide an invitation to step into writing.

Explore this Sway with a growing list of suggestions of picture books celebrating names.