What’s in a Name?

Step one: These are potential names for a new professional athletic team. Define the names with a partner: Poodles Hippos Buzzards Ferrets Snails Mosquitoes Toads Sloths Maggots Gazelles Discuss and record the connotation (emotion/attitude/feeling) associated with each word. What type of sports team do you think each name fits? Does it sound like a successful team? Why or why not?

Step two Does the name fit the sport? Brainstorm and record a list of six current team names from professional or college sports. Answer the following questions for each: Does the name fit the sport? What connotation does the name evoke? What does the name say about the athletes and the fans of the team?

Step three: You and your partner have been given the job to name a new professional athletic team. Decide what type of sport the team plays, and then choose a name that has an appropriate connotation. Design a poster advertising your new team. On the front: Team logo & team motto On the back: Explanation of why you chose the name The connotations of your team