by Jan Segerstrom, Jackson Hole High School
This unit is designed as a way to get to know my ELL students, introduce students to text structures and note taking, and kick off the year with a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Students will familiarize themselves with many Hispanic heroes, both living and from the past. Each student would choose one hero and further research this person. The product of their research was a colorful glog poster that was hung in JHMS’s commons. The information was presented to the class and shared with parents during our final culmination - a parent night! Students will presented their glogs informally and formally connect Hispanic Heritage Month to a celebration of parents and family.
Introduction
What is common about Cameron Diaz, Charlie Sheen, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Antonio Banderas, Oscar de la Hoya, Alex Rodríguez and JLo?
They are all Hispanics.
Who are Hispanics? Hispanics are Americans, who trace their ancestry to the Spanish-speaking countries regardless of race.
Hispanics are not just famous in the field of art and music. Did you know that Antonia C. Novello became the first Hispanic person and also the first woman to be appointed as Surgeon General in the United States? Did you know that Ellen Ochoa became the first female Hispanic astronaut? Did you know that Ileana Ros-Lehtinen became the first Hispanic woman and first Cuban American to be elected to the U.S. Congress?
You will find Hispanics in many other fields, who have made many important contributions to American society. Hispanics are the largest minority group in the U.S. today and Spanish is the second most-spoken language. It is obvious that you will all be interacting with Hispanics directly or on directly in your future.
Hispanic Heritage month begins on September 15 and we are going to help our school celebrate and learn. You, as students of Spanish and Hispanic culture are going to be the school’s cultural ambassadors for promoting Hispanic Heritage and will teach others about them. You are going to focus on famous Hispanics who have made contributions in many fields.
Enduring understandings:
1. Students will understand that heritage and culture shape a person’s perspective.
2. Students will understand that individuals have the ability to shape families, communities, nations, and the world.
Essential Question:
1. What is the role of heritage and culture in shaping a person's perspective?
2. How can an individual shape his/her community?