Yoon and the Christmas Mitten
Yoon Series
What’s inside...
In 'My Name Is Yoon', Yoon's parents encourage her to write her name in English instead of Korean. When Yoon's teacher lends her a book about Santa Claus, Yoon is excited to share it with her parents, but they tell her they're not a Christmas family. As Christmas Eve approaches, Yoon learns more about the holiday, but struggles to convince her parents to celebrate it. Yoon soon realizes she must use her own wisdom to show her parents that they can indeed be a Christmas family. The story is accompanied by distinctive, glowing pictures with brushstrokes echoing Renoir.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Yoon
Discussion points
How do you think Yoon felt about celebrating Christmas in a new way? Can you relate to her feelings?
Why do you think the Christmas mitten was significant to Yoon? What objects are special to you and why?
What does Yoon's story teach us about family and traditions? How do you think traditions help bring families together?
How did Yoon's feelings change throughout the book and what caused those changes?
What would you have done if you were in Yoon's place? How can we learn to appreciate new experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Yoon’s experiences and relate them to their own. Use reflective listening to show understanding and acceptance of your child's perspective. Emphasize the cultural aspects of the story, discussing different traditions and the importance of family. Lastly, have fun imagining together what unique traditions you could start as a family!
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Diversity
Explanation: Yoon, a young Korean immigrant, struggles with embracing American Christmas traditions while honoring her own culture. Through her journey, she learns to appreciate and blend both her Korean heritage and her new American experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures and traditions, fostering inclusivity and understanding in their interactions with peers from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Throughout the story, Yoon grapples with her identity, feeling torn between her Korean roots and her desire to fit in with her American peers. Ultimately, she finds a way to accept herself and her unique cultural identity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop a strong sense of self and encourage them to embrace their individuality, regardless of peer pressure or societal expectations.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family Support
Explanation: Yoon's parents play a crucial role in her journey towards accepting her dual cultural identity. Their support helps her navigate her feelings of confusion and isolation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of family support during times of personal challenge and change, understanding that it can provide a vital foundation for exploring and accepting their identities.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Openness to Change
Explanation: Yoon's experience exemplifies adaptability as she learns to celebrate Christmas in a way that respects both her cultures. This shows her openness to new experiences and change.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to be flexible and open to new situations, helping them thrive in diverse environments and learn from different experiences.