Whose Your Name?

This is an beautiful book written and shared by Tamaiti o le Pasifika Class of Wainuiomata Intermediate School. Full of stunning stories of the history of each student's name. This book includes a wide range of writing styles, including poetry and letters. It is a truly unique and special way to make intermediate students feel valued and fall in love with the (sometimes laborious) task of writing.

Use this book to introduce and guide a project that encourages students to learn about where their own name came from, their ancestors and the anecdotes behind the journey their parents took before deciding upon their name. Is there name linked to a special/important person in their whānau? At intermediate level, the students could even explore different ways that they could present the stories behind their name/names; is poetry the best way? Is there an artistic way to present it? What does their name mean in different cultures?

There is something powerful about kids writing for kids. Because these stories were curated by Year 7 and 8 students, they offer a level of relatability that adults just can't replicate. It’s more than a book; it’s a roadmap for what similar-aged students can achieve.