Introduction
This is an adventure in which you will create a type of self-portrait. Native Americans believed in giving just the right name to a person --one that would match him or her in spirit as well as in personality. Your job over the next few days is to research that part of you which makes you truly unique and different from everyone else: your name. Sure, you may share your name with others, but perhaps for very different reasons. Follow these steps to get you started on your journey......
Task
You are required to research the meaning of your first name and create a name board which displays the information. This name board should contain information you have researched and be creative display of the information. It is due on November 30th.
Process
You need to complete the following steps to create your project which is a Name Fact Board.
1. Conduct an Interview:
Interview your mother, father, grandparent or another adult who can tell you why you were given the name you now possess. Create an interview sheet of questions you want to ask them and be sure to fill in the answers given to you in reply. Were you named after anyone in particular? If so, who is that person? Why were you named after him or her? Were there any special features or qualities the two of you shared that resulted in your being given the same name as this other person? If so, which ones? How about nicknames? Are there other famous people who share your name? Be sure to take notes on all answers shared with you as these will be used in your final project: Attach your completed interview sheet to this paper by the project's due date.
2. Research your name:
There are several books in the library which have information on the origins and meanings of names. Research your name for its country of origin, its various meanings, famous people who have the same name, and any symbols which the name might evoke. Attach all notes to this sheet. You can also use the links below to locate information.
In addition to meanings of names, this site contains information about favorite names for 1999 and 2000.
This is a great place to find out more details about your name. Try clicking on the name links from regions and cultures.
This site has interesting information on Etmoloty and elements in first names. It also has a Namesakes section in which you can see if any famous person or character shares your name. Great for locating additional details.
Remember:
You must reference your information. Use this example below.
Kolatech, Alfred J. Dictionary of First Names, Toronto, 1980.
3. Create a Written Report
Using all of the research you have collected on your name, write a descriptive autobiographical sketch telling why your name either fits you to a tee or should have been given to someone else. Be sure to write in a tone that is entertaining to your readers as these will go on display in the near future. Autobiographical sketches are written from the first person point of view. That means YOU, the author. Therefore, it is most appropriate to use words like I, me, my and mine throughout the piece. This is your opportunity to tell the rest of us about one of the finest gifts ever presented to you --your very own NAME! Remember to include your personal interview, actual life experience and research in your autobiographical sketch.
4. The Creative Project:
Take your written project, your autobiographical sketch, and place it in the middle of either poster board or colored paper. Surround it with a collage of symbols representing some aspects of your name. These may be drawn by hand, cutouts from magazines, traced shapes, computer art or any other imaginative renderings. They MUST in some way relate to aspects of your name. The easiest way to get ideas for this last phase is to look for nouns in your written report -- people, places or things you have written about in the composition.
QUESTIONS? ASK FOR HELP! COME TO THE COMPUTER LAB AFTER SCHOOL.
Evaluation
How will this project be assessed? This part is really easy. The project has four main parts to it and will be worth a total of 100 points. The interview and research should be completed immediately. The composition and collage will take longer. Therefore, each part is weighted differently. See the attached rubric. You will have a chance to score your own project as well as share it with the class in a "Read Around." The most interesting, creative projects will be displayed.
Possible
Points Possible
Points Interview 10 The
Research 15 5 5 5 5 Autobiographical
Sketch 45 5 5 Name
Collage 30 5 5 15 5 5 10 15 5 5
Questions
Country of
Origin
Answers
Listing or
Resources
Meaning of
Name
Use of
research
Entertaining
tone
Use of
various materials
Beginning,
middle, and ending
Neatly
organized
Neatly
written or typed
Appropriate
symbols
Mechanics
Colorfully
displayed
Neatness
Conclusion
This project gave you an opportunity to do research and present your findings in a creative format. You have learned that information can be obtained from a variety of resources.