Context

This project was created during Block II, Spring 2006, under the advisement of Dr. Robin Groce in RE 4030 Language Arts class. The assignment was based upon the novel Esperanza Rising by Pam Ryan. I took this book and used it to find even more books and resources about Mexican immigration into the United States.

Impact

By completing this assignment, I have learned a lot about the Mexican immigration into the United States and have obtained a lot of good ideas on lesson plans about this topic for when I become a teacher. This assignment has taught me how to use quality literature to do projects which are hands-on and which teach children fundamental ideas such as main idea and theme.

Alignment

I have met Standard 1, indicator 1, by using this assignment to conduct lesson plans which teach my students the developmental stage of language acquisition.

I have met Standard 1, indicator 2, because I have shown that by using Esperanza Rising my students will be exposed to different dialect used in the novel. There are several words that are in Spanish and thus different from the English-speaking students in the class.

I have met Standard 1, indicator 4, because I have learned that the social, cultural, linguistic and other backgrounds act as a huge factor on children learning to read and communicate.  These factors affect how children learn to speak, read, write and listen and how well they continue to do so throughout their school careers.

I have met Standard 1, indicator 5, because I understand that reading is taught through existing knowledge. In doing this multi-text study I learned that students may need to know about Mexicans and how they immigrated to the US to find work. Also, their prior knowledge may affect how they view the novels.

I have met Standard 1, indicator 6, because I understand the importance of personal and social growth. By completing this assignment was I was able to grow  through gaining knowledge about the topic and my  students will do the same.

I have met Standard 8, indicator 1, because I have shown by choosing this diverse novel that as a teacher I must teach my students to read by using letter sounds and include context which is going to relate to their own personal lives.

I have met Standard 8, indicator 3, because I have shown how I teach the children to use their critical thinking skills when they read and write. I have made this possible by choosing books within this text study which will require them to use their critical thinking skills to comprehend what is going on within the story.

I have met Standard 8, indicator 4, because by choosing books in my multi-text study which are fun and interesting to read, I am encouraging my students to read and enjoy it.

I have met Standard 8, indicator 5, because by choosing this culturally and linguistically diverse book and topic, it encourages my students to use different genres when they write their projects assigned with this study. They must write to speak to a variety of culturally diverse audiences.

I have met Standard 11, indicator 1, because I was able to incorporate communication within my lesson. By using a book which includes Spanish vocabulary, it encourages my students to learn how to read and comprehend these terms. Once they have done so, it is easier to communicate with their classmates when discussing the novel.