Target Language: Spanish
Suggested Grade Level: lower primary
Goal(s):
production of entire Spanish alphabet
viewing of authentic Mexican sarape
recitation of Spanish alphabet in reverse
identification of all colors in Spanish
location of Mexico on map of North America
description of cold weather in the mountains of Mexico
and the deserts at night
Learning Objective(s):
assembling and constructing of alphabet sarape
trying on of real sarape from Mexico
Materials/Resources:
authentic sarape available:
9x12” white construction paper (recommend sulphite type which is more heavy-duty and resists ripping easily: “Tru-Ray” or “Peacock” brands). Cut to 8-1/2x11" size.
sarape drawing (enlarge scanned drawing to fill 8-1/2x11 paper)
white out extra alphabet letters (ch, ll, rr)
scissors
alphabet poster
map of North America
crayons, colored markers or pencils
Spanish activity/reading & writing folders for each child for storage of materials between classes
Procedure for Teaching:
Teacher reviews alphabet using poster
Large group and individual recitations of alphabet.
Recitation of alphabet in reverse by teacher leading whole class.
Viewing and trying on of sarape from Mexico
Individual student finds Mexico on map of North America
Teacher points to the mountain ranges on both east and west coasts.
Teacher indicates that the weather is cold there.
Teacher points to the desert regions in the north and central regions.
Teacher indicates that at night it turns cold, too.
Individual students take turns naming colors found on sarape
Teacher demonstrates how to cut out paper sarape carefully
and cut fringe (flecos)
Students cut out sarape and write first name in Spanish on back.
Students then cut fringe and color.
Note: Some students will color whole sections of sarape in one color; others will make several lines of color within individual sections as in the authentic woven sarapes.
Teacher circulates and asks individual students to recite alphabet in Spanish with/without help and asks what cultural object is and reviews colors child used.
Optional Extension for High Achievers: While rest of class finishes coloring sarape, have a contest to see who can recite alphabet in reverse without errors.
Assessment: Questioning of students about alphabet and identification of sarape and colors used to decorate it.
School & Home Connection: Students will have several options for completion of “homework”: (1) recite alphabet, (2) recite alphabet backwards, (3) identify article of clothing as sarape, and/or (4) tell parents that it gets cold in Mexico at night in the desert and in the mountains.
See my Art Projects page for classroom management suggestions to make this activity go smoothly.
