Lesson Three
Poems:
“My Son” and “My Daughter”
Summary:
The poems speak about the social roles of boys and girls in the home during ancient times. Boys were expected to cut wood, work the land, plant and harvest the food. Girls were expected to keep the home clean, spin, weave, embroider, help their brothers and cook the food that was gathered. They were both encouraged to respect the sick, poor and elderly.
Vocabulary:
“My Son” - - - ancestors; pocholtl (A large tree.); ahuehuetl (A tree that grows near the rivers and is enormous.); insult, neglect.
“My Daughter” - - - idleness; embroider; noble; turquoise.
Procedure:
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1. Begin by giving a summary of three ancient civilizations (i.e. Olmecs, Mayas and Aztecs.) Along with the summary show pictures depicting people and their customs from ancient days as well as the present.
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2. Read and discuss the poems, “My Son” and “My Daughter.” Ask questions such as: Who does the father tell the son to respect? How does he tell his son to respect them? How does the father tell his son to work? Why? Why does the mother tell her daughter that she is like fine stones? How does the mother tell her daughter to treat her husband?”
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3. Go over the vocabulary words with the children.
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4. Create a story web on chart paper showing the social roles of boys girls from ancient times.
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(figure available in print form)
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5. The children will write a story using the story webs created in class.
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6. The children will illustrate their poetry sheet and attach the poem and story to their book which they are making in class.