Objectives:
To recognize the importance of self
To understand the Mexican and Puerto-Rican family structures
Procedure:
Read “On The Edge Of The Barrio” and “Puerto-Rican Paradise”
Vocabulary:
Some of the words are used in our language, but they are of Spanish origin.
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serape
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pinata
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sombrero
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tortilla
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tacos
The teacher should have students look up other words that are common in our language but are from Spanish origin.
I decided to combine the two short stories into one lesson because they both have similar characteristics. Both stories discuss Spanish immigrants and the hardships placed on the families, and they both discuss a want for a better life. Also, students who have lived in Puerto Rico can give additional information about their native homeland and the lives they lead. Since there is a big Puerto-Rican population in New Haven, these two stories will be of great interest to the students.
Writing Assignment:
“On The Edge Of The Barrio”
This story relates a hard struggle but a very successful ending. Students are to write about a time in their lives when they felt that the cards were stacked against them, but in the end they were successful. Students may write about making the winning touchdown, passing a very hard test, getting a job for which they and many others applied, etc. . . . The stories should shared with the class.
“Puerto-Rican Paradise”
Since this story focuses on the change of environments and the father, students are to write two papers. First they should write about a change that occurred in their lives. The change could be moving from one place to another, changing from junior high to high school, changing jobs, etc. . . . In the second paper, they should write about the unique qualities their father’s possess. The papers on the fathers will turn out to be humorous at times, because when students compare their stories they might find that some of the qualities that their fathers possess are not unique to their fathers alone.