Mystery JarĪfter contributing to a whole-class name jar, have children create personal name jars where they write or draw unique attributes about themselves. Learn More: Learning Lessons With Amy Labrasciano 6. Wh- QuestionsĬo-create an anchor chart targeting question words who, what, when, where, why, and how with respect to The Name Jar. Work together to identify the main characters, setting, and other key details as you review the plot and seek out the lesson it teaches. Include the interview answers in your display! Peer InterviewsĮxtend The Name Jar activities into your friendship theme by encouraging students to create portraits of their friends, and then interview them! Peers can ask, “Does your name have a special meaning?” or “What is something others might not know about you?”. Create a large “name jar” anchor chart and then have children contribute sticky notes with traits of a positive classroom environment. If you’re reading Yangsook Choi’s book at the beginning of the school year, or if your class needs a reset, use this engaging, community-building activity.

They use a routine called “See, Think, Wonder” to share their initial thoughts, and then reflect after reading! Children use the associated graphic organizers to respond to a “keyhole” snapshot from the book. This simple book activity is perfect for developing comprehension skills as students interact with The Name Jar. Children record attributes that make them unique on sticky notes to add to the jar! One excellent group activity involves drawing an anchor chart with a giant jar. The Name Jar is an excellent book to utilize at the beginning of the year as part of an “All About Me” unit. Elementary teachers can task students with delving deeply into what makes them, them through these unique prompt ideas, group activities, and other extension lessons. Beyond literacy-specific lesson plans that encourage different responses to literature, this story naturally lends itself to social-emotional learning lessons and explorations of your students’ own personalities and self-concepts.

What’s in a name? Yangsook Choi’s book about Korean-born Unhei and her journey to valuing her name is an amazing read-aloud for your elementary class.

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi