The White Fox / After Reading / Review and Reflect /
Naming the Fox
Choosing appropriate names for the fox.
Lesson length: 30 minutes
Lesson from The White Fox series
Required reading: Whole book
Text potential
- Inference opportunities: Character Inference
- Literary features: Character names
Purpose
The fox in the story is not given a name because it is a wild animal. Sol doesn’t feel he has the right to name her. Naming the fox requires the children to reflect on the part that she plays in the story.
Preparation
- A large sheet of paper and marker pens for each group.
Process
Remind the children of the moment on page 42 when Sol’s father asks what name he will give the fox. Sol tells him that the fox doesn’t need a name. The title refers to the colour of the fox. Ask:
- What name would you give the fox?
Organise the class into groups of 4-5. They should begin by listing everyone’s ideas for names on a large sheet of paper. The children could start by thinking about the role the fox plays in the story and her relationship to Sol. (She could be described as a protector or even a saviour.)
An internet search for names that have these meanings could provide a shortlist to support selection. Ask:
- What other factors do we need to consider?
- Is the sound of the name important?
Once ideas are exhausted, each member of the group will choose their favourite and explain why they think it suits the fox best.
- Does the name have a particular meaning that is appropriate? What is the significance of the name?
Each group should choose a favourite name and present it to the rest of the class. A class vote will reveal the top choice of name.
Final reflection
Refer to the role of the fox in the story and how a name can reflect this.
- Can you think of any other stories where the names of the characters reflect the role they have in the story?
Key vocabulary
name, meaning, significance
Contributors
