For the Artist
Create a product that examines part of our story and explores a deeper meaning beyond the text. You may use any medium. For example painting, sculpture, collage, graphic, advertisement, ink art, etc..
Just Do It!
Identify a theme or lesson from the novel that you think people could use. Find a way to enact that theme so that at least five people are affected in a positive way. Document what you did and what happens as a result, so that you can inspire others to do something equally meaningful. Share wiht the class via multi-medial presentation or demonstration.
Just Eat It!
Trace your own immigration story. Who in your family first came to the U.S.? Tell us the story in a 4-8 minute presentation while we eat an authentic dish you have prepared to help us "taste the history of your family. Old photographs, videos or other memorabilia is a plus!
Why the Switchbacks?
Write an essay (4-6 paragraphs) or create a 23-5 minute presentation to analyze Reyna Grande's style of switching back and forth between Juana and Adelina chapters. How does this style add depth to the novel? What method do you see in the way she pairs chapters?
Get a Real Story
Find a person who has immigrated. Interview that person to find out what factors inspired the move, the process of coming, the experience after, any challenges faces, and their final advice to a person looking to immigrate. Plan you interview ahead and then record it as a 4-7 minute, edited video.
A Story Retold
Write a short story or epic poem to touch on a similar theme or an extension of the novel. You may even rewrite the ending if you like.
American Idol
Perform a song or interpretive dance to show your understanding and personal reflection about a theme from the novel. Make sure there is a great amount of thought behind your performance and be ready to explain a depth of meaning behind your artistic choices.
Do the Math (Regular English Only)
Find all the timeline-signature hints in the novel and create a graphic timeline to tell the whole story in chronological order. Include a quote and an image for each point on the timeline.
?????
Not satisfied? Come up with your own idea and propose it to me by Friday. Some questions to consider...
- How does your project show critical thinking and a deep understanding of the novel?
- How is your project meaningful and enriching to you on a personal level?
- How is your project interesting and engaging to your audience in our class?
