What to do
Vignettes This book is a compilation of vignettes, short narratives written with careful attention to economy and word choice. These vignettes add up, as Sandra Cisneros has written, “to tell one big story, each story contributing to the whole– like beads in a necklace.” We are going to attempt to find out what this necklace says.
Like a quilt I liken it to a patchwork quilt – little pieces show a big picture.
Main Character Our focus of study is Esperanza Cordero, a Chicano girl growing up in inner-city Chicago.
Coming of Age She is somewhat like Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, Lily in The Secret Life of Bees, 0r even Holden from The Catcher in the Rye…all growing up amidst difficult circumstances in life.
Purpose for reading Observe Cisnero’s craft of writing Understand the vignette and novella
Here is how we will read the book
Presentation You will be assigned one chapter to lead in reading and discussion. You will then complete these steps: 1. Read the vignette to yourself. You will be assigned one vignette to read at home (at least three times) and to prepare your presentation. 2. Decide what events or characters have personal meaning for you and others in the class. 3. In a way this is no different than a good reader’s response: consider how the characters and events relate to your personal experiences. 4. If you are uncertain how to present your vignette, follow the study guide suggestions to make your presentation.
Preparation How to Prepare Practice reading this chapter out loud.
Prepare Be ready to answer questions others might have about the vignette you have been assigned.
Presentation When we begin to share our novel, you will be the expert for your vignette, so I expect you to know it upside down and inside out.
Your job: Read your selected chapter to the class. Speak clearly, loudly using effective inflection to demonstrate the tone the vignette. Discuss vignette with the class. Make it personally meaningful to the students, and specify which of these issues could be considered a universal theme or issue for Esperanza. Use the study guidelines may help you with ideas.
Present Your presentation should be between 4-6 minutes long (not including reading). I am interested in seeing how you dissect the chapter, looking beyond the obvious into something meaning for the class.
Present Please do not simply stand and ask, “So, what did you guys think of the chapter?” You are the leader of the discussions. Create a few deep questions that get to the heart of the chapter. Use the chapter study guide questions if you are uncertain.
Page 6 “Hair”
Your turn Write in the style of Cisneros and tell about Hair….