Materials You'll Need:
- Book: "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes (or a similar story about names)
- Paper (plain and/or construction paper)
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
- Optional: Name meaning resources (baby name websites or books, if available and desired)
Lesson Activities:
1. What's in a Name? (10 mins)
Let's talk about names! What's your name? Do you know why your parents chose it for you? Does it have a special meaning? Sometimes names come from family members, special places, or just because they sound nice! Share the story of your name if you know it. If not, maybe you can ask a grown-up later!
2. Story Time! (15 mins)
Read the book "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes together. As you read, pause and ask questions:
- How does Chrysanthemum feel about her name at the beginning of the story?
- Why do the other students make fun of her name? How does that make Chrysanthemum feel?
- How does the music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle, help Chrysanthemum feel better about her name?
- How does Chrysanthemum feel about her name at the end? Why did her feelings change?
Discuss how names can make us feel special and unique, even if they are long or different.
3. My Name, My Self (15-20 mins)
Now it's your turn to celebrate your name! Take a piece of paper. Write your name nice and big in the middle. Around your name, draw or write things that make YOU special. What do you like to do? What are you good at? What makes you happy? Think about how your name is part of *you*!
Examples: Draw your favorite animal, write the word 'kind', draw a picture of you playing your favorite game, write 'good friend'.
4. Sharing (5 mins)
Share your 'My Name, My Self' picture. Explain what you drew or wrote and why it represents you. Talk about how wonderful and unique your name is, just like you!