“The Name Jar”
Select a multicultural book that you think would be effective with ELL students and record/write a reader response log, first giving basic information about the book (title, author, illustrator, setting, characters, plot, etc.) and then responding to it, indicating why you selected the piece, the context in which you would use it, and reading and writing activities you might assign in relation to it. When selecting your piece of multicultural literature, consider what you heard in either of the powerful TED Talk videos.
https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_how_to_escape_education_s_death_valley
https://www.ted.com/talks/alison_gopnik_what_do_babies_think
Title: “The Name Jar” Author: Yangsook Choi Illustrator: Yangsook Choi Setting: A contemporary Korean immigrant community in the United States Characters: Unhei (the main character), her classmates, and her teacher Plot: Unhei moves from Korea to the United States and begins attending a new school. She is worried about fitting in and decides to choose an American name. However, before she can make a final decision, her classmates discover her name jar, where she keeps the names she is considering. They encourage her to embrace her Korean name, which leads to acceptance and friendship.
I have selected “The Name Jar” as an effective multicultural book for ELL students because it explores themes of identity, diversity, and acceptance. The story resonates with ELL students who may be navigating a new culture and grappling with questions of belonging. Through Unhei’s journey, students can relate to her experiences and gain insights into their own identities.
I would use this book in a classroom context where there are ELL students from diverse cultural backgrounds. It can be used as a springboard for discussions about cultural identity, the importance of embracing one’s heritage, and the significance of names in different cultures. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to foster empathy, understanding, and respect for cultural differences among students.
Reading Activities:
Pre-reading: Before reading the book, engage students in a brief discussion about their own names, their meanings, and any cultural significance they may have. This will activate prior knowledge and create a connection to the themes in the book.
During reading: Pause at certain points in the story to ask comprehension questions or elicit predictions from the students. Encourage them to make connections between the events in the story and their own experiences.
Post-reading: Engage students in a class discussion about the message of the story. Prompt them to reflect on the importance of embracing one’s cultural identity and the impact of acceptance and friendship in a multicultural setting.
Writing Activities:
Identity Reflection: Ask students to write a reflection piece about their own cultural identity, including their name, cultural traditions, and values. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about their identity and how it connects to the themes in “The Name Jar.”
Personal Name Stories: Have students share the stories behind their names. They can write a short narrative explaining the significance of their names, whether it is a family name, a name with cultural meaning, or a name chosen for another reason. Students can then share their stories with their classmates, promoting understanding and appreciation for diverse backgrounds.
By using “The Name Jar” as a multicultural book in the classroom, teachers can foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity and encourages students to embrace their cultural identities. The reading and writing activities mentioned above will provide opportunities for students to connect with the book on a personal level and develop their language skills while exploring important themes.