Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the importance of names, cultural identity, and friendship, as depicted in the picture book "The Name Jar." The student will also create their own name jar, reflecting their personal experiences and feelings about their name.

Materials and Prep

• Access to the picture book "The Name Jar" (can be read aloud during the meeting)
• Paper and colored pencils or markers for drawing
• A jar or container (real or imaginary) for the name jar activity
• Prepare a brief introduction about the author and the themes of the book

Activities

• Read-Aloud:

  Start the lesson by reading "The Name Jar" together. Encourage the student to listen carefully and think about how the characters feel about their names.

• Name Jar Creation:

  After reading, the student will create their own name jar. They can draw a jar on paper and fill it with names that are special to them, including their own name and names of family or friends.

• Discussion Time:

  Engage the student in a discussion about what names mean to them. Ask them to share their thoughts about their own name and how it makes them feel.

• Friendship Connection:

  Have the student think of a friend or family member and create a small drawing or write a few sentences about why that person's name is special to them.

Talking Points

• "What do you think the main character, Unhei, feels about her name at the beginning of the story?"
• "Why do you think names are important? Can you think of a time when someone said your name in a special way?"
• "How did Unhei feel when she was trying to choose a name? Have you ever had to choose something important?"
• "What names did Unhei put in her jar? Can you share some names you like?"
• "Why do you think it's nice to learn about other people's names and where they come from?"
• "How does Unhei's story show us about friendship? Can names help us make friends?"
• "What name would you put in your jar and why? How does it make you feel?"