Roots and Rhythms: Discovering Our Cultural Tapestry

9th Grade

Lesson
60 minutes

Roots and Rhythms: Discovering Our Cultural Tapestry

Carmen Salgado

Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is to deepen students' understanding of their cultural heritage and language by creating a family tree project in Spanish. Through research, interviews, and creative presentations, students will explore family connections and traditions, enhancing their language skills and cultural awareness. This project-based approach encourages students to engage with their personal histories and share their discoveries with peers and the community, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.

Learning goals

Students will investigate and document their family history using Spanish language skills, focusing on vocabulary related to family relationships and cultural traditions. They will develop their ability to conduct interviews and present information in both written and spoken Spanish. Through creating multimedia presentations and engaging in reflective journaling, students will deepen their understanding of their cultural heritage and enhance their language proficiency.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem, narrowing or broadening the inquiry when appropriate.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

Week 1	Day 1
Activities	Students set up interactive booths representing different aspects of their cultural heritage. Each booth features artifacts, images, or activities related to their traditions. This activity allows students to explore their peers' backgrounds, fostering an initial understanding of the diversity within the class. It also sets the stage for the deeper exploration of family trees. (15 minutes) Students bring in family artifacts or heirlooms and share their stories with the class in Spanish. This activity encourages students to use vocabulary related to family and traditions while discussing the significance of these items. It also serves as a springboard for identifying key family members to include in their family tree project. (15 minutes) Community members with expertise in oral history guide students on how to conduct effective interviews with family members. Students learn to formulate questions in Spanish and practice listening skills to capture family stories. This preparation is crucial for the multimedia component of their family tree project, ensuring they collect rich, meaningful content. (15 minutes) Students spend time reflecting on what they have learned so far, documenting the challenges they faced and how their understanding of their cultural heritage has evolved. This journaling activity helps students process their experiences and articulate their thoughts in Spanish, reinforcing language skills and personal insights. (10 minutes) In pairs, students present their initial family tree concepts and receive constructive feedback from their peers. This session focuses on both the content and language use, encouraging students to refine their projects and improve their Spanish communication skills. It's a brief but valuable exchange that promotes collaborative learning. (5 minutes)
Deliverables
Preparation