Michelle Lynn Hofmann

CULTURAL DISCOVERY THROUGH MEXICAN LITERATURE

3rd grade

Monday, January 13, 1997, 9:30-10:15 AM

Performance Expectations:

Students will be able to: compare and contrast traditional literature
in Spanish; reflect upon the cultural uniqueness of Mexico; familiarize
themselves with poetry, songs, etc. from the Mexican culture;
and recognize themes in Mexican literature.

Content Areas: Language Arts, Literature, Culture

Strategy:

Allow children to self-select from given books and form literature
groups based upon the selections chosen.

Materials Needed:

Spanish-English dictionaries

reflective/research journals

Mexican literature selections

Directions:

Introduction:

The teacher will pre-select several literature pieces. Provide
a general description of each selection and discuss with the children
any initial questions. The students will pref their top three
choices. From these lists, the teacher forms literature study
groups around each story.

Development:

Set a certain number of pages or sections of each book for the
groups to complete every day, or every other day. Then, allow
the children to discuss what they have read. Encourage the children
to write in their journals any information or reflections that
they may have. They should also learn effective note-taking skills
through a mini-lesson by the teacher. Any questions that the
groups may encounter should be noted in their journals as well.
The teacher will have book conferences with each group at least
twice throughout their reading.

Closure:

Upon completion of their selections, students will work together
ona presentation of their selections. They may create a "book
report" but should be encouraged to go beyond such confines.
Create a book of their own, rewrite the ending, recreate it into
a poem, create a translation, make a picture book, reader’s theatre,
play, etc.

Evaluation:

The students will be assessed accoring to timeliness of material
completion, discussion contributions, teacher-group conferences,
and final presentation. The teacher should also note their in-journal
note-taking skills and critical reflections.

Adaption:

Focus specifically upon poetry, short stories, plays, or even
videos.

Watch a familiar show in Spanish:

Sesame Street, The Simpsons

,
etc.

Have a literature rotation.

References:

Michelle Lynn Hofmann

Behrens, June. (1985).

Fiesta!

. Chicago, IL: Childrens
Press.

Gemme, L.B. (1990).

El futbol es nuestro juego

. Chicago,
IL: Childrens Press.

Walt Disney Productions. (1972).

Que pequeno es el mundo

.
Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Productions.

Walt Disney Productions. (1972).

El patito feo

. Buena
Vista, CA: Walt Disney Productions.

Zubizarreta, Rosalma. (1989).

El sombrero del tio nacho

.
(Harriet Rohmer, Trans.). Emeryville, CA: Children’s Book
Press.