THE NAME JAR by Yangsook Choi (Kids Book Read Aloud 📚) | Back to School

Summary

In 'The Name Jar' by Yang Suk, Unhei, a young girl who recently moved from Korea to America, grapples with her identity and the challenges of fitting in at her new school. On her first day, she faces teasing about her name and feels pressured to adopt an American name. However, through the kindness of her classmates, she learns to appreciate her unique heritage and the meaning behind her name, which signifies 'grace.' The story beautifully explores themes of cultural identity, acceptance, and the significance of names, ultimately leading Unhei to embrace her true self.

Takeaways

• 😀 Unhei is a young girl who moves from Korea to America, feeling both nervous and excited about her new school.
• 🌍 Cultural identity plays a significant role in Unhei's journey as she navigates being different in a new environment.
• 💖 Unhei's grandmother gives her a wooden block with her name carved on it, symbolizing her heritage and connection to family.
• 📝 At school, Unhei struggles with her name as classmates find it difficult to pronounce, leading her to consider adopting an American name.
• 👫 The support of her classmates becomes crucial as they help her explore various names and encourage her to feel included.
• 🎉 Unhei's classmates suggest funny and interesting names, reflecting their creativity and willingness to befriend her.
• 📦 The 'name jar' becomes a symbol of acceptance as it fills with potential names that Unhei might choose.
• 📬 Unhei receives a heartfelt letter from her grandmother, reinforcing her connection to her roots despite the distance.
• 🌈 By the end of the story, Unhei decides to embrace her original name, which means 'grace,' highlighting the importance of self-acceptance.
• 🤝 The narrative concludes with Unhei forming genuine friendships, demonstrating that embracing one's identity can lead to acceptance and belonging.

Q & A

What does Unhei's grandmother give her before she leaves for America?

Unhei's grandmother gives her an ink pad and a small red satin pouch containing a wooden block with her name carved in it.

How do the kids on the bus react to Unhei's name?

The kids on the bus struggle to pronounce her name correctly, with some even teasing her by chanting and making jokes about it.

What is Unhei's mother's perspective on her name?

Unhei's mother believes that Unhei is a beautiful name and emphasizes that it was chosen with care by a name master in Korea, highlighting its cultural significance.

What does Unhei decide to do about her name during her first days at school?

Unhei decides she would like to choose an American name because she feels her Korean name is too difficult for her new classmates to pronounce.

What role does Mr. Kim play in the story?

Mr. Kim is a friendly store owner who acknowledges Unhei's name and its meaning, helping her feel connected to her Korean heritage in her new neighborhood.

How does Unhei feel about her identity throughout the story?

Unhei experiences a conflict between wanting to fit in with American children and her attachment to her Korean name and identity, leading to a journey of self-discovery.

What do Unhei's classmates do to help her choose a name?

Unhei's classmates create a name jar filled with different names for her to choose from, suggesting names that reflect their friendship and support.

What message does Unhei's grandmother convey in her letter?

Unhei's grandmother expresses her love and connection to Unhei, reassuring her that despite the distance and differences, she will always be her Unhei.

How does Unhei ultimately feel about her name by the end of the story?

By the end of the story, Unhei confidently embraces her name, recognizing its beauty and the meaning behind it, choosing to keep it.

What is the significance of the name 'Unhei' and what does it mean?

The name 'Unhei' means grace, reflecting Unhei's identity and the cultural values her family holds dear. This is emphasized when she shares its meaning with her classmates.