The Name Jar

Multicultural Realistic Fiction
Pre-K-2nd

Multicultural Realistic Fiction                    

A perfect back to school book.....

The Name Jar is written and illustrated by Yangsook Choi.  The new kid in school needs a new name...or does she?  Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name?  Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will not like her.  So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week.  Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning.  On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared.  Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and help everyone pronounce it ---- "Yoon-Hey."  Choi's full color realistic illustrations are created with watercolor.  Choi's characters have expressive faces that are close-up to the viewer.     

Classroom Discussion

Talk about the importance of names in families.  Co-construct a list of questions the students have about their own names on chart paper.

What do you know about your name?

Sample questions:

• Who am I named after?
• What if we all had the same name?
• What does my name mean?
• Does everyone have a middle name?
• Do all our names put together  cover all the letters in the alphabet?
• Have you ever been teased about your name?
• Why would someone tease you about your name? 

Bring in a variety of baby name books and have children look up their names. Get parents involved, ask them to explain why they chose the name they did, what is the significance of the name.

Other Activity Resources

PBSkids The Name Jar

Preschool Learning Name Activity

Teaching Tolerance Name Jar activity

 Meet the author Yangsook Choi

Biography

St. Leo Core Value of Respect: This book aligns with the St. Leo core value of respect because it helps children develop a sense of self and friendship.  The Name Jar also teaches respect for cultural differences and to have compassion for all of God's children.                                                                       

References:

                           Choi, Yangsook. (2001). The Name Jar. New York, NY: Random House