1. Module 1, Unit 2, Lesson 8 Understanding Themes in Esperanza Rising
Chapter 8: “Las Almendras/Almonds”

2. Learning Targets
I can interpret two big metaphors in Chapter 8, “Las Almendras,/Almonds” in Esperanza Rising.
I can determine what it means to find the theme of a book or story.
I can identify themes in Esperanza Rising.

3. Entrance Quiz and Oral Review
What happened in this chapter?
IF needed, use the text-dependent questions to get more details.
Talk about title “Almonds”
Return Lesson 7 tickets.

4. Add to Anchor Chart “Reading Esperanza Rising”
Ask for students to “shout out” comments on what helps them make sense of this novel?
Record on chart any strong comments.
Remind the students that tomorrow is the Mid-Unit Assessment and they will need to use the strategies we have listed.

5. Big Metaphors
Read learning target “I can interpret two important big metaphors in Ch. 8, “Las Almendras” in Esperanza Rising.
Read p
Look at question 1
Refer to p , mark with evidence flags
Read question 2
Reread p. 128
Read question 3; students find evidence on their own

6. Inferring Themes
Students “vote with their feet” about the rose and kitten.
*Move to back left corner if you think life is like a rose.
*Move to back right corner if you agree with Marta that the poor workers are like kittens.
*Stay in middle if you are not sure.

7. Inferring Themes
Discuss big metaphors often lead to the theme.
List some big metaphors in this story so far.
The Earth’s Heartbeat
The river between Esperanza and Miguel
The rose bush
The kitten
Discuss what the main message or theme might be for each of the big metaphors.

8. Exit Ticket
Write about either the rose or the kitten. Why is this “big metaphor” so important in the story? What message is the author trying to give us as readers?