Hispanic Literature Final Project

Breaking Through by Francisco Jimenez

Objectives Overview:

• To have students gather a general understanding of what life can be like for a Mexican child living in the United States, and fighting to improve his life and complete his education.
• To have students explore similarities and differences between their lives and the life of Francisco: Prejudice and challenges; Universal adolescent experiences of school: dances and romances, bullying; Living in a country illegally; Adapting to change in surroundings, culture, and language.

Lesson Plan: Where is Francisco Now?

Objectives:

• To have students show their creative side in writing a short story based on their knowledge and understanding of the book.
• To have students show an understanding of the novel, the characters, and the outline of the story.

Level of Classroom: 9th-10th grade--this is mostly due to the fact that Francisco is 14 years old in the novel, which will make this novel more relatable and relevant to the students.

Activity:

• After students have finished the novel, Breaking Through by Francisco Jimenez, students will be asked to write a short story on what happened to Francisco after the story. Since this book is an autobiography, students will have to write a creative, but realistic ending to the novel, from Francisco's own perspective. This short story will be done in class, in a 10-15 minute time period. After they have written their short stories, students will be given the opportunity to read their own aloud. After they have read, I will read them a short biography on where Francisco really is today and some things that he has accomplished since he was 14:
• "Francisco Jimenez emigrated from Tlaquepaque, Mexico to California, where he worked for many years in the fields with his family. He received both his masters degree and his Ph.D. from Columbia University and is now chairman of the Modern Languages and Literature Department at Santa Clara University. He is the award winning author of The Circuit, Breaking Through, La Mariposa, and Reaching Out. He lives in Santa Clara, California with his family."
• Once they have heard this biography, they will write for another five minutes on how their story was different from the actual one, and why they came to the conclusion they did; why they gave Francisco the ending they did.
• Students will then turn these in to me for an in-class participation grade, as their assessment.

Supplementary Text: A Step from Heaven by An Na. This is a novel about a young girl who is forced to leave Korea with her family and begin a new life in America; very similar to Francisco's own life experience with having to leave Mexico and start a new life in California with his family.

In Class Blog: Heritage

Talk about importance of having literature that relates to culture/heritage. How can you connect with your Hispanic students with your culture?

It is so extremely important for students to learn about other cultures other than their own. It is also important for students to learn about their own culture. In the real world, students will come into contact with cultures that are similar and different to their own, and we as teachers must prepare them for those interactions.

This makes me think how interesting it would be for everyone to research their family and where their family originally came from, like a modern day Roots. To me, this would be very beneficial for students to find out about their family's ancestors, their struggles, where they came from, and how they came to be in the United States of America. I would also partake in this activity as well, especially since I have no idea where my family originates from. All I know is that my family calls ourselves a Heinz 57, because we are a little bit of everything. I know that I am mostly Luthuanian and Czechoslavakian. I am also German, Irish, and Russian.

Another fantastic way for students and teachers to connect with each other is through "I am" or "I am from" poems. Each student could write their own, and write one from another person's (fictional or nonfictional) perspective. They would then present these to the class, and would reflect on what they learned about the cultures that were represented.

Appreciating Ethnic Diversity

I loved this article by Colleen A. Ruggieri! What I liked most was its inclusion of all minorities and that this article did not just focus on Hispanics as a minority in the United States. It opened with talking about 9/11 and the challenges that Iraqis who live in the U.S. have had to face with discrimination and tolerance based soley on their heritage. I personally remember when after the tragedy of 9/11 the television, and newspapers were blowing up with "United We Stand," and different logos saying that "tragedy transforms us, and it even has the power to make us stronger" (pg. 56). At the time, I liked these logos, but now looking back it at I realize that it was mostly the white Americans who were united, while these same people were discriminating against Iraqis or those of Middle Eastern heritage. The author then goes on to talk about America as the "melting pot," which I'm sure all of American citizens have heard that analogy. But what really got me was when she said that when John de Crevecouer "romanticized a nation that would embrace ethnicity. Ironically, he forgot to include groups such as the Native Americans and the African American" (pg. 57). John de Crevecouer wrote about this in 1782 before any Civil Rights had taken place, so his idea of a melting pot only included European males.

This article brings up some amazing points that all Americans should read, and some great tips, advice, and activities for teachers to appreciate ethnic diversity in their classrooms.

Writing Prompt: Arturo's Flight

Based on Arturo's Flight: If you were Johann, what would you have said to Arturo about his experiences and situation? Why?

If I were Johann, I would have told Arturo not to be afraid of being passionate about his talents and to show off his talents as much as he could. He needs to be proud of who he is, and of what he is good at. He also needs to find his "safe" place. Everyone needs to have a safe place where they can go and get away from the world and away from the hectic life that any teenager lives, and a place where he can be alone without feeling alone.

I feel that Johann was telling Arturo, without actually verbally saying it, to be grateful for what he has: his family, his education, being alive, etc. Many people around the world grow up in situations where they are taken away from their family, or they do not have the right to a free and equal education, or their country is being ruled by a dictator, etc.

A Culturally Diverse Classroom

I really enjoyed reading this article. I completely agree with the statement that, "Becoming aware of our own culture is the first step. By understanding our own beliefs, we are able to have a better understanding and appreciate cultural differences" (pg. 6). Schools need to take the step of allowing and celebrating other cultures, besides what is most popular or what is the majority. It does not matter what a student looks like, or where the school is located, every student has a different family history and background.

This article outlined many situations to consider when teaching a diverse classroom. Teachers and administration need to be made aware of these diversities that take place in their classrooms, and then form their curriculum, lessons, and units to celebrate these diversities. It is extremely important for students to be aware of, celebrate, and learn about their own culture, and the ones in which their fellow students belong to as well.

Las Juanitas

This past Saturday (March 13, 2010) I had a wonderful dinner at Las Juanitas Restaurant in Kalamazoo, MI with my friend Jessica. We have been trying new places to eat in the Kalamazoo area now for a few weeks, each week eating at a place neither of us have been to before. Because of this, we were very excited about the assignment to experience an authentic Hispanic cultural adventure; for this, we went to Las Juanitas. Everything from the decoration, atmosphere, food and drinks, service, etc. was homely, warm, and extremely enjoyable. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for an authentic Hispanic experience within reach of downtown Kalamazoo.

*Las Juanitas is located at 1801 S. Burdick