Spanish I is continuing to read Tumba by Mira Canion. Previous posts include introducing the novel, Chapter 1 & Chapter 2.
Chapter 3 is focused on the alters created for Day of the Dead. Before starting the chapter we did the following activities related to las ofrendas and los altares.
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Video – Ofrenda
Altar infographic
We used this infographic last fall during our Day of the Dead mini-unit. Students used their computers to view the infographic, while answering reading comprehension questions in English. It could also be printed, or posted in the room to do a similar activity. To review this chapter, I projected it, and we discussed in Spanish what elements are typically included. We also discussed what they would put on an altar of a loved one.
Creating an altar
If we had not already done this in the fall, after reading chapter 3 would be a great time to have the students create altars for someone they know or a famous person who has passed away. These could be drawn on paper and described, or actually created in class.
Instead, after I read and discussed Chapter 3, we listened to the audio book of the chapter and students drew out the altar that is described, as well as the other people and events in the chapter. They then explained their drawings to a friend, once again reviewing the chapter.
More Resources for Altars
Anatomy of an Ofrenda Infografic
Day of the Dead Crafts – make an altar
Next Chapter 4!
You can find all resources for Tumba here.
You can find more resources for the Day of the Dead Here.
Wany to learn more about teaching with novels?
Before you start…
- How to Teach Comprehensible Spanish Books
- 5 Tips for Teaching with Novels
- How to teach your 1st novel
Teaching Whole-Class Novels
- How to Teach Comprehensible Spanish Books
- how to teach a novel – a typical day.
- 20 activities for teaching with novels.
- post-reading ideas
- How to Assess a Novel
