Third Graders at Wiesbaden Elementary Explore the Importance of Names

In a heartfelt lesson on social-emotional learning, a third-grade class at Wiesbaden Elementary School recently focused on the significance of names and their role in fostering connection and respect within the classroom. The lesson began with a reading of The Name Jar, a story about a girl named Unhei who struggles with the decision to keep her Korean name in a new school.

Students were encouraged to listen closely to their classmates and share personal connections with the text. As they discussed their own names and the stories behind them, the class deepened their understanding of identity and the importance of using each other’s names with care. One student made a particularly memorable contribution by bringing in a special stamp of his name written in Korean characters, mirroring Unhei’s experience in the book. This tangible connection to the story helped bring the lesson to life, allowing students to see the value in celebrating the diversity of their names.

Through these activities, the students not only connected with the book but also with one another, creating a sense of family within the classroom. Sawyer, a 3rd grade student in Miss Schultz’s class, shared that she felt important because Elliott allowed the class to try out his name stamp on the anchor chart. The lesson’s success was evident as the students shared their stories and listened to each other, building a strong foundation of empathy and mutual respect.

This innovative approach to social-emotional learning highlights the importance of understanding and respecting each other’s identities. Wiesbaden Elementary School continues to foster an inclusive and supportive environment, where every student feels valued and connected.