There is some discussion  in the media just now around a piece of research which suggests that there is, in some cases, a correlation between names and children's behaviour so that in theory one could  tell how children will behave in class just by reading down the register. It seems a dangerous path to go down making judgements on children before they have had any chance to prove who they are and what they are capable of. It is, of course, a story designed to be controversial but one which could cause a lot of damage along the way.

Names are important, they give us our identity and a sense of belonging. Until someone calls you by your name you don't really feel part of something, and I know many teachers make it a prioirity to learn children's names as soon as possible for just that reason.

The bible tells us that we are known to God long before we are born, that he has our name written on the palm of his hand, thankfully not as troublemakers, but because he loves us so much. So worthy does God see each of us, how dare we be so quick to write someone off.

"Jerusalem,I can never forget you!
I have written your name on the palms of my hands."
Isaiah 49 vs 16