When My Name Was Keoko

Based on the novel, how do you think Sun-hee and Tae-yul understand the word “culture”? Compare your Personal Connection Prompt with the protagonists of the novel. What are the similarities? What are the differences?

Teaching Suggestion: Students should understand that Sun-hee and her family take great pride in their Korean culture, and that their food, language, and daily activities are all ways in which they seek to preserve their Korean identity. This prompt can be done either as an in-class discussion or as a personal writing prompt.

Differentiation Suggestions:

For English language learners or students who need additional support, you may want to allow students to write a response that they share with a partner and have the opportunity to revise before discussing with the whole class.

As with the Personal Connection Prompt, more advanced students may also consider the following question: How did Sun-hee, Tae-yul, and their family react to the idea that the Japanese wanted to erase their culture? Connect your answer with the theme Resistance and Liberation Occurs Differently for Every Individual.