The Name Jar: questions to ask and activities to try
Unhei is new at school, and nobody can say her name. The Name Jar is a warm story about fitting in without giving up who you are.
What age is it for? The Name Jar is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Starting somewhere new and wanting to fit in.
The Name Jar (Yangsook Choi)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Starting somewhere new and wanting to fit in
Read it before a move, a new school or a new class, or when a new child joins your child's class. Pause at the jar and ask what your child would do.
What it helps with
- Starting at a new school or moving house
- Wanting to fit in
- Being proud of your name and where you're from
- Welcoming a new child in class
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “How did Unhei feel on her first day?”
- “Why did she want a new name?”
- “What did her classmates put in the jar?”
- “What does Unhei’s name mean?”
- “Why did she keep her own name?”
- “How could you help a new child in your class?”
5-minute activities to try together
Name story
Tell your child why you chose their name and what it means. Then they can ask grandparents about theirs.
Welcome card
Make a welcome card for a new child, a neighbour or a cousin starting school.
Free printables: The Name Jar worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Kissing Hand (Audrey Penn)
- Best for
- Nerves about starting school or being apart
- Age
- 3-6
The Invisible Boy (Trudy Ludwig)
- Best for
- Friendship, exclusion, quieter children and inclusion
- Age
- 5-8
The Koala Who Could (Rachel Bright and Jim Field)
- Best for
- Handling change and unfamiliar situations
- Age
- 3+
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.