This is an activity based on House on Mango Street, the "My Name" vignette, but it can be adapted as an intro activity, as a history, activity, or really anything to do with identity and family!
The students will look up their last names (or first names if they are unable to find last names) and learn what their name means. Then they will draw two symbols to represent their family, and a paragraph on the back explaining what they drew, why, and what they learned!
Very relevant and applicable