Lesson 3: Belonging
Esperanza Rising (pages 1-38) Written by Pam Munoz Ryan
As this beloved historical fiction novel opens, Esperanza lives a luxurious life on her family's ranch in Mexico. However, her world and her sense of belonging are shattered. As campers begin this novel, they will be drawn into Esperanza's world and empathize with her as she must face challenges she never expected.
As this beloved historical fiction novel opens, Esperanza lives a luxurious life on her family's ranch in Mexico. However, her world and her sense of belonging are shattered. As campers begin this novel, they will be drawn into Esperanza's world and empathize with her as she must face challenges she never expected.
Quick Write
My His/Herstory
Tell your entire life story in three sentences. Think about why you belong where you are. You can write about your family, where you grew up or go to school, and so on. Share your writing with a partner.
Tell your entire life story in three sentences. Think about why you belong where you are. You can write about your family, where you grew up or go to school, and so on. Share your writing with a partner.
Vocabulary Words of the Day
Review and add these words and definitions to your vocabulary tab.
- courted (p. 7): tried to win the favor or love of a person
- quivery (p. 25): shaky or shivery
- batiste (p. 28): soft, thin fabric
- pretentious (p. 33): making claim to or creating an appearance of undeserved importance or distinction
Reading
We are beginning our Belonging Unit today. Belonging means identifying as a needed, loved, and respected member of one's community and the world as a whole.
As we read, let's pay attention to the world in which Esperanza, the main character, feels a sense of belonging.
DURING READING
Today's text begins on page 1 and ends on page 38. Rising means "to move upward." Throughout the text, look for ways Esperanza is rising in the story.
AFTER PAGE 8: How does Esperanza feel about her family and life on the ranch? How does the relationship between Esperanza, her family, and the people who work on the ranch reinforce the theme of belonging?
AFTER PAGE 18: How would you describe Esperanza's relationship with Miguel when they were younger? How has their relationship changed? How does the phrase "between them ran a deep river" describe their relationship?
AFTER PAGE 22: When Esperanza feels despair, who are her pillars of support?
AFTER PAGE 33: How does Esperanza's mother react to the uncles' demands? How might this decision affect what will happen next?
AFTER PAGE 37: Miguel wants to leave the ranch. Why does he feel he longer belongs there? How do you think his decision will affect Esperanza?
AFTER READING
Esperanza's feeling of belonging changes during the chapters we have read.
• How does Esperanza's feeling of belonging change after her father is killed? What is different about her life now? Whom does she still rely on and trust?
• Esperanza feels a comforting sense of belonging with Abuelita when they crochet together and with Miguel when they look at their rose bushes in the garden. What activities might you do to feel a sense of belonging with friends and family?
As we read, let's pay attention to the world in which Esperanza, the main character, feels a sense of belonging.
- How do your friends, family, and the community in which you live help you feel a sense of belonging?
- What do your friends, family, and the community in which you live do or say to help make you feel as if you belong?
DURING READING
Today's text begins on page 1 and ends on page 38. Rising means "to move upward." Throughout the text, look for ways Esperanza is rising in the story.
AFTER PAGE 8: How does Esperanza feel about her family and life on the ranch? How does the relationship between Esperanza, her family, and the people who work on the ranch reinforce the theme of belonging?
AFTER PAGE 18: How would you describe Esperanza's relationship with Miguel when they were younger? How has their relationship changed? How does the phrase "between them ran a deep river" describe their relationship?
AFTER PAGE 22: When Esperanza feels despair, who are her pillars of support?
AFTER PAGE 33: How does Esperanza's mother react to the uncles' demands? How might this decision affect what will happen next?
AFTER PAGE 37: Miguel wants to leave the ranch. Why does he feel he longer belongs there? How do you think his decision will affect Esperanza?
AFTER READING
Esperanza's feeling of belonging changes during the chapters we have read.
• How does Esperanza's feeling of belonging change after her father is killed? What is different about her life now? Whom does she still rely on and trust?
• Esperanza feels a comforting sense of belonging with Abuelita when they crochet together and with Miguel when they look at their rose bushes in the garden. What activities might you do to feel a sense of belonging with friends and family?
BRING THE TEXT TO LIFE: Sketch a Moment or Scene
INSTRUCTIONS: Today, you will create a sketch from a moment or scene that stood out to you in Esperanza Rising pgs 1-38. Pick a moment or scene that connects to the theme of Belonging, or another scene that resonated with you emotionally.
When you are finished, you will present your work in an "art gallery".
When you are finished, you will present your work in an "art gallery".
- First, you will explain the moment or scene and why you chose it.
Reading Power: Analyze Character Interactions
Take out your copy of the "Analyze Character Interactions" Graphic Organizer. As you read, you will create a chart on chart paper or a whiteboard. Record how various characters react to events in the story. Model your thinking as you add characters.
In our reading, we discussed how the characters in the story reacted to different story events. When we look at characters in a scene we can summarize what's important about their interactions. How does one character's action make another character react?
What does this tell you about their interaction?
What does this tell you about their relationship?
In our reading, we discussed how the characters in the story reacted to different story events. When we look at characters in a scene we can summarize what's important about their interactions. How does one character's action make another character react?
What does this tell you about their interaction?
What does this tell you about their relationship?
- How does Ramona react to Tío Luis after he discusses marrying her?
- How do Tío Luis and Tío Marco react toward Esperanza after her father's death?
- How do Miguel and Esperanza react to each other in the garden? What does this tell you about each of them?
Writing
In Esperanza Rising, El Rancho de las Rosas is a safe place for Esperanza. On the ranch, Esperanza can spend time with her family, wear fancy dresses, and live in a beautiful home. In addition, she also has many servants to take care of her and her family.
Today, you will write about a familiar place that is your own safe place. It is a place where you can feel "at home" and comfortable. The safe place can be as simple as your bedroom or another room in the house, or a place outside the home where you feel the most welcome. Again, a safe place is one that feels comfortable, and where you feel at home. It provides a space where you always feel welcome. Include sensory details in your description. What do you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste in this safe space? For example, "The smell of warm cinnamon cookies rises up from the kitchen below," or "The sunlight beams down on my face, and I feel the comforting heat."
You will use details to describe a familiar setting that is a safe place, a place where they always feel comfortable and "at home."
Today, you will write about a familiar place that is your own safe place. It is a place where you can feel "at home" and comfortable. The safe place can be as simple as your bedroom or another room in the house, or a place outside the home where you feel the most welcome. Again, a safe place is one that feels comfortable, and where you feel at home. It provides a space where you always feel welcome. Include sensory details in your description. What do you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste in this safe space? For example, "The smell of warm cinnamon cookies rises up from the kitchen below," or "The sunlight beams down on my face, and I feel the comforting heat."
You will use details to describe a familiar setting that is a safe place, a place where they always feel comfortable and "at home."