Maria, not Maria-Gulia
- Tags: adult minimization, bystander intervention, classroom norms, early childhood, name teasing
Setting
In the kindergarten classroom, everything smells of crayons and tempera crayons, and on the wall there are hangers with big names on them. At recess, the chanting sounds everywhere, but Maria’s has been different for the past two weeks.
Situation
My name is Maria and I like my name. But Jorge started calling me “Maria-Gulia” (like rutabaga) and the rest of the group joined in with the rhymes and jokes. I’ve been putting up with being called that name in line, in the playground, in hushed voices and even in chorus for two weeks now. The teacher noticed and talked to the families, but Jorge’s mother said: “It’s a joke, it’s not the end of the world”. For me it is a little bit: I go home sad and I feel that my name has become smaller.
Key dialogue
– “Maria-Gulia, come to the orchard!”
– “My name is Maria.”
– “Bah, it’s just humor.”
– “If it hurts, it’s no longer humor.”
Rewrite the story
I’m your companion and I’m with you today.
1. Now (10 s): I stand next to you and say clearly: “Her name is Maria. In class we use the real name.”
2. Recess (1-2 min): I change the subject and take you to play with our group; if they continue, I tell the playground teacher.
3. In class: I ask the teacher for a minute for the name rule: no nicknames without permission. Cutting word: “Real name”.
4. After (24 h): I help to write down what happened (who/when/where) and we take it to tutoring.
5. If Jorge repeats: I ask for a mini-meeting with him and the teacher: let him listen, name what he will do differently, and make the agreement visible to everyone.
6. This week: we propose the activity “The story of my name” for each one to share what he/she wants to be called.
Roles at the table: Maria (protagonist), Jorge (initiator of the nickname), chorus of classmates, partner ally (narrator), teacher, families.