Embedded Files
When My Name Was Keoko is about a Korean family living under Japanese occupation from 1940 to the end of World War II. Told from the alternating perspectives of Sunhee and her older brother Tae-yul, both siblings share their experiences and perspectives on Japanese occupation as they navigate what it means to preserve their Korean identity amidst this occupation. In their efforts to subjugate the Korean people, the Japanese officials order the Koreans to stop using their Korean names, speak the Korean language, or keep items that have cultural significance. Sunhee and Tae-yul must grapple with both internal and external conflict as they develop the conviction to resist, while also caring about the safety and well-being of their family. They discover that resistance comes in many forms, including civil disobedience and the written word. Each family member responds to the threats of the Japanese in unique ways, and amidst these differences and consequent misunderstandings, the novel highlights the roots of identity, culture, and care for one another that eventually bring them together.
Big Ideas
First person narrative allows the reader to understand the inner thoughts of a character
A person’s name and home language are an important part of their identity; stripping away a person’s name and home language strips a part of their identity.
The occupation of a country by a foreign power often involves propaganda, cultural erasure, and other oppressive tactics.
There are many different ways to demonstrate resistance, including civil disobedience and the written word.
Family tradition and honor are central values. Sometimes they can come into conflict with personal convictions and desires.
Everyday objects and simple actions can carry deep significance based on the situation associated with the object or action.
Gender plays a significant role in how one is treated in society.
Culminating Task:
Culminating Task:
Plan your Movie
Students will work in groups of 2-3. Each group will create a Storyboard, using one of the storyboards in the slide deck or they can create one of their own. Each group of students will work on one or two chapter(s) in the novel, When My Name Was Keoko. Reread your assigned chapter(s) and outline key points that should be included in the movie. Make the words come alive, with the characters’ expressions and actions in their environment. Your storyboard should include sequential panels with sketches, visuals, dialogue, thoughts, and/or brief descriptions of what is happening in the scene. Don’t worry if your storyboard is not quite up there with Picasso’s! You can use stick figures! The idea is to plan a brief description for each scene in preparation for a movie.
After creating the storyboards, you will share your chapter(s)with the group.
Teacher note: Storyboards can be hung in the room in sequential order.
Teacher note: Storyboards can be hung in the room in sequential order.
Lesson Guidance Documents : These documents provide guidance for lesson planning.
Lesson Guidance Documents : These documents provide guidance for lesson planning.
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