George Washington Carver Writing Activity: Who Would You Name Yourself After?

Grade Level:

6–8

Subject:

Social Studies / Language Arts

Duration:

45–60 minutes

Theme:

Naming and Historical Legacy

Skills Focus:

Critical thinking, historical reflection, personal writing, presentation

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the significance of names and identity.
• Explore the life of George Washington Carver and his choice to honor Booker T. Washington.
• Reflect on the historical or cultural figures who have influenced their lives.
• Write a personal narrative about who they would choose to rename themselves after and why.

Materials Needed:

• Projector or board for displaying the prompt
• Student journals or writing paper
• Pens or pencils
• Optional: Biography handouts of George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington
• Art supplies (for optional nameplate activity)

Lesson Procedure:

1. Warm-Up Discussion (10 minutes)

Display the following quote on the board:
“Did you know that George Washington Carver was originally born as George Carver? He gave himself the middle name 'Washington' after World War I, in honor of Booker T. Washington.”

Discussion Questions:

• Why do you think George Carver chose to honor Booker T. Washington?
• What does choosing a name say about someone’s values or beliefs?
• Can names have power or meaning beyond identity?

2. Mini-Lesson: Who Was George Washington Carver? (10 minutes)

Briefly explain:

• Carver was born into slavery and became a leading scientist and educator.
• He worked at Tuskegee Institute under Booker T. Washington.
• He added "Washington" to his name in honor of Booker T., not George Washington.

Optional: Provide a short biography handout or video clip.

3. Writing Prompt & Activity (20–25 minutes)

Prompt:

Imagine you could rename yourself after any person in history. Who would you choose and why?
Give specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
If you can’t think of a historical figure, choose a character from literature or film who inspires you.

Instructions:

• Students write 2–3 paragraphs explaining their choice.
• Encourage clear reasoning and personal reflection.

4. Share & Reflect (5–10 minutes)

• Invite volunteers to read their writing aloud.
• Optional: Create a “Name Wall” with illustrated nameplates showing each student’s chosen name and inspiration.

Assessment:

• Participation in discussion
• Completed personal narrative with supporting details
• Optional: Effort and creativity in the nameplate activity

Extensions (Optional):

• Art Connection: Design a personal symbol or crest representing their chosen person’s values.
• Research Component: Write a short biography of the chosen figure.
• Group Activity: Discuss and compare chosen figures and their values in small groups.