Lesson Eight
Poems:
“Ear of Corn”, The Song Of A Dream”; a poem written in My Song Is A Piece Of Jade, (24); and, Hot Chile”
Vocabulary:
“Ear Of Corn” - - crystal “The Song Of A Dream” - - ripened, refreshment “My Song Is A Piece Of Jade (24) - - metlatl, ( a three- legged grindstone on which the women grind corn and chocolate), amaranth leaves, (flowers or herbs); “Hot Chile” - - Chicanos, suffer
Procedure:
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1 Give a summary of popular foods found in Mexico today. Refer to the appendix section for background information.
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2. Read and discuss the four poems in class. Ask questions such as: “Ear of Corn” - - Why did the poet refer to corn as precious stones? Why did he call the corn our flesh and bones?; “The Song Of A Dream” What does the corn do in the spring? What does the poet mean when he says the corn gives us refreshment?; A poem in the book My Song Is A Piece Of Jade (24) - - How heavy were the pumpkins? How big was the corn? What colors were the ears of corn?; “Hot Chile” - - Why does the poet say hot chile is like suffering?
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3. The children will write a summary, illustrate their poetry sheets and attach them to their books.
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4. Prepare a Mexican dinner and serve in class. Play Mexican music while dinner is being served.
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5. Dinner will be served restaurant style. The children will design and make menus. They will order from their menus, add the prices together, and tell how they arrived at the total cost.
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Figure available in print form