Pistes d'exploration

Discuss how Elizabeth feels about her name and the nicknames people have assigned her. Have you ever felt like Elizabeth? Do you have a nickname? 

How do you feel about nicknames? If you could create your own nickname, what would it be? Create a nameplate celebrating your uniqueness. 

What is your full name? How many letters does it have? Ask your parents or guardian the meaning of your name. Why was it chosen? Share what you have learned.

Create a book titled “My Name Is . . .” Include autobiographical data such as the time and date of your birth, your siblings, and your favourite hobbies, sports, foods, etc.

What is your full name? How many letters does it have? Besides the speech bubbles, how else can you tell that Elizabeth is frustrated about her nicknames? How did she and the other characters feel by the end of the story? Use the text to justify your answers.

Discuss your name and its origin. Who else has your name?

Make a chart with different ways to say hello. Practise them out loud.

Discuss nicknames. Do you have one (or more)? Do you like being called by a nickname? 

The Name Jar

Mots-clés

Picture book , assertiveness , identity , manners , names , preferences , speech bubbles

Commentaire descriptif

Elizabeth is a feisty little girl who likes her name. She likes that there is a queen named after (her). She likes that it’s nine letters long. What Elizabeth appreciates less, however, is when people use shortened versions of her name. Four-colour illustrations in orange, white, black and pale blue have a vintage quality to them. They show Elizabeth going through her daily routines such as getting ready in the morning and going to school, as well as the active community around her. Speech bubbles provide the dialogue between Elizabeth and the people she encounters throughout her day, and thought bubbles show her frustration when she is not referred to by her full name. Elizabeth eventually learns that she can express her preferences, and she can also recognize good intentions on the part of others. The challenge of having one’s wishes respected and the appropriate expressing one’s preferences are shown in a thoughtful and humorous way.