The Name Jar Activities

During back-to-school time, The Name Jar activities engage and inspire young learners to be inclusive and empathic. Build English Language Arts skills with character sketches, story elements, sequencing, and summarizing. Help students make text-to-self connections and develop social skills through discussion prompts. In addition, students build strong classroom communities when they investigate names’ origins and write acrostic poems. Create a safe and welcoming learning environment with the soundscape and activities.

As a result of the included activities, students will be able to:

• complete letter mazes.
• design a name stamp.
• draw the main character.
• write facts about names.
• review story elements.
• sequence the story.
• summarize the story.
• write about the story’s lesson.
• make text to text, text to self, and text to world connections.
• interview a classmate about their name.
• define story vocabulary.
• apply writing Skills with included writing templates and prompts.
• apply reading Comprehension skills with included discussion questions for beginning, middle, and end of the book.
• engage in social Skills with included whole group prompts and activities.
• develop fine Motor Skills with included coloring, tracing, cutting, and gluing activities. 
• create a name jar.
• research the history or origin of their name.
• write an acrostic poem.

These activities can be used by the whole group, at stations or centers, or provide student choice. They’re perfect for differentiation and focusing on specific learning goals and skills. 

💙Kickstart the school year and elevate back-to-school experiences with these innovative ideas!

💙Once you’ve got The Name Jar activities in hand, dive into the book while immersing yourself in the vibrant soundscape in your Novel Effect app!

About the Book

From acclaimed creator Yangsook Choi comes this bestselling classic about being proud of your background and being yourself. It's hard enough being new at school, but what if no one can pronounce your name? Unhei just moved from Korea and is worried about fitting in. Instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she picks an American name out of a jar. When Unhei thinks of being Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, nothing feels right. When Unhei meets a new friend, she'll learn that her own name is the best. Buy the book.