Art and Identity in Mexico, from Olmec Times to the Present

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 05.02.06

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Rationale
  3. Background Information
  4. Objectives
  5. Strategies
  6. Classroom Activities
  7. Notes
  8. Works Cited
  9. Appendix A
  10. Annotated List of Teacher Resources
  11. Annotated List of Student Resources
  12. Suggested Classroom Materials

Representations of Family in Mexican Art

Alexandra J. Reyes

Published September 2005

Tools for this Unit:

Guide Entry to 05.02.06

I teach 7th and 8th grade Spanish in an inter-district communications and technology magnet school in New Haven. The World Language program in the middle schools is a two-year course, which is the equivalent of the Spanish I course in the high schools. I see my students five days per week, in 47-minute periods.

Because family is part of one's identity, it is something each and every one of my students can relate to in some way. When learning a language, family is always a major topic. While its practical definition varies from culture to culture, and from situation to situation, the concept of 'family' is universal. This important theme of 'family' is often seen in art, literature, film, music, and other media, and offers much insight into the values and cultures of the people portrayed, as well as into those of the artists. Incorporating the 5 Cs with Mexican and Mexican-American art will help students learn Spanish in a cultural context by keeping them engaged in a culturally authentic setting. Using visual aids lessens the need for English translation and encourages vocabulary and language retention in an interesting and meaningful way.

(Developed for Spanish, grades 7-8; recommended for Spanish, grades 7-12)

Comments:

Dina Ross

November 18, 2015 at 7:25 pm

I love your lessons...

I am reading your lesson plans and I am excited about using them in my classroom! You are awesome!

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