The House On Mango Street Lesson Plans

The House on Mango Street: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Cultural Identity

### Introduction: Sandra Cisneros's renowned novel "The House on Mango Street" captures the essence of growing up as a young Latina in a Chicago neighborhood. This coming-of-age story delves into the complexities of identity, family, friendship, and the search for a sense of belonging. With its rich symbolism and vibrant language, "The House on Mango Street" has inspired generations of readers and is widely used in classrooms across the country. ### Common Core State Standards Alignment: This article explores the novel's alignment with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS): - RL.9-10.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text. - RL.9-10.3: Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme. - RL.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how language evokes a sense of time and place; how language use varies in different domains of life). ### Lesson Plan 1: Exploring Identity and Cultural Heritage *

Objectives:

- Students will analyze the protagonist Esperanza's journey of self-discovery and cultural identity. - Students will identify and interpret symbols related to identity and cultural heritage in the novel. - Students will create a personal narrative or poem that reflects their own exploration of identity and culture. *

Activities:

Class Discussion:

Begin by discussing the concept of identity, especially cultural identity. Ask students to share their thoughts and experiences on what shapes their own identity. 2.

Character Analysis:

Have students choose a passage from the novel that illustrates Esperanza's exploration of identity. Analyze how her experiences, interactions with others, and cultural heritage influence her developing sense of self. 3.

Symbolism Exploration:

Identify key symbols in the novel that relate to identity and cultural heritage (e.g., the house on Mango Street, the Virgin of Guadalupe, the mango tree). Discuss how these symbols contribute to the story's themes and Esperanza's journey. 4.

Personal Narrative/Poem Creation:

Encourage students to reflect on their own identity and cultural heritage. Have them create a personal narrative or poem that explores their own journey of self-discovery and cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from Esperanza's experiences. ### Lesson Plan 2: Examining Relationships and Community *

Objectives:

- Students will analyze the various relationships that Esperanza forms throughout the novel. - Students will understand the importance of community and its impact on personal growth and identity formation. - Students will participate in a collaborative project to create a mural that reflects the themes of relationships and community in the novel. *

Activities:

Character Relationships:

Have students map out the significant relationships that Esperanza develops with different characters in the novel. Discuss how these relationships contribute to her growth and understanding of herself and others. 2.

Community Exploration:

Analyze how the neighborhood of Mango Street functions as a community. Discuss how the characters interact with each other and the shared experiences that shape their lives. 3.

Mural Creation:

Divide students into groups and assign each group a specific theme related to relationships or community in the novel. Have students create a collaborative mural that visually represents these themes. ### Lesson Plan 3: Analyzing Literary Devices and Themes *

Objectives:

- Students will identify and analyze literary devices used in the novel. - Students will interpret the novel's central themes and their significance in the context of the story. - Students will write an analytical essay that explores the use of literary devices and central themes in the novel. *

Activities:

Literary Devices Identification:

Review common literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, foreshadowing, and figurative language. Have students search for examples of these devices in the novel and analyze their impact on the story. 2.

Theme Analysis:

Discuss the central themes of the novel, including identity, family, friendship, and the search for a sense of belonging. Encourage students to provide textual evidence to support their interpretations. 3.

Analytical Essay:

Assign students to write an analytical essay that explores the use of specific literary devices and central themes in the novel. Guide students through the process of crafting a thesis statement, developing supporting arguments, and using textual evidence to support their analysis. ### Conclusion: "The House on Mango Street" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on the experiences of growing up as a young Latina in America. Through well-crafted lesson plans aligned with the CCSS, educators can delve into the novel's rich themes and literary devices, fostering meaningful discussions and encouraging students to explore their own identities and cultural heritage.