House On Mango Street Lesson Plans High School

Exploring Identity, Culture, and Community in Sandra Cisneros' "The House on Mango Street"

Introduction: Sandra Cisneros' "The House on Mango Street" is a coming-of-age novel that delves into the experiences of a young Latina girl, Esperanza Cordero, as she navigates the challenges and complexities of growing up in a predominantly Mexican American neighborhood in Chicago. This novel offers high school teachers a rich opportunity to engage students in thoughtful discussions about identity, culture, community, and the pursuit of dreams. Here are some lesson plans that explore the novel's themes and literary techniques: 1. Esperanza's Journey of Self-Discovery: * Objective: To analyze Esperanza's journey of self-discovery and her evolving sense of identity. * Materials: Copies of "The House on Mango Street," chart paper, markers. * Procedure: - Begin by facilitating a class discussion on the concept of identity and how it is shaped by various factors such as culture, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. - Divide students into small groups and assign each group a section of the novel. - In their groups, students should identify key moments or passages that illustrate Esperanza's evolving sense of identity. - Groups then present their findings to the class, initiating a whole-class discussion about Esperanza's journey of self-discovery. 2. Exploring Cultural Identity and Stereotypes: * Objective: To examine the portrayal of cultural identity and stereotypes in the novel. * Materials: Copies of "The House on Mango Street," sticky notes, chart paper, markers. * Procedure: - Ask students to brainstorm stereotypes and prejudices they have encountered in their own lives or in the media. - Distribute sticky notes and ask students to re-read the novel, marking passages that illustrate cultural stereotypes or prejudices. - Students then post their sticky notes on chart paper, grouping them according to the types of stereotypes or prejudices identified. - Lead a class discussion on the impact of these stereotypes and prejudices on the characters and the community in the novel. 3. The Power of Language and Imagery: * Objective: To analyze how Cisneros uses language and imagery to convey meaning and create a vivid sense of place. * Materials: Copies of "The House on Mango Street," highlighters, chart paper, markers. * Procedure: - Distribute highlighters to students and ask them to re-read the novel, highlighting passages that contain vivid imagery, metaphors, or similes. - In small groups, students discuss the highlighted passages and analyze how Cisneros uses language to create a sense of place and convey emotions and experiences. - Groups then present their findings to the class, leading to a discussion about the importance of language and imagery in literary texts. 4. The Significance of Community and Neighborhood: * Objective: To explore the role of community and neighborhood in shaping the characters' lives and identities. * Materials: Copies of "The House on Mango Street," poster paper, markers. * Procedure: - Ask students to discuss their own neighborhoods and communities, focusing on the positive and negative aspects. - Divide students into small groups and assign each group a chapter or section of the novel that focuses on the community or neighborhood. - Groups create posters that visually represent the community or neighborhood described in their assigned section. - Groups present their posters to the class, leading to a discussion about the significance of community and neighborhood in the novel. 5. The Pursuit of Dreams and Esperanza's Agency: * Objective: To analyze Esperanza's pursuit of her dreams and her exercise of agency in a patriarchal society. * Materials: Copies of "The House on Mango Street," sticky notes, chart paper, markers. * Procedure: - Ask students to reflect on their own dreams and ambitions and the challenges they face in pursuing them. - Distribute sticky notes and ask students to re-read the novel, marking passages that illustrate Esperanza's dreams and her efforts to achieve them. - Students then post their sticky notes on chart paper, grouping them according to the types of dreams or challenges identified. - Lead a class discussion on the significance of Esperanza's dreams and her ability to exercise agency in a society that often limits women's opportunities. These lesson plans encourage high school students to engage with "The House on Mango Street" on multiple levels, delving into its themes, literary techniques, and cultural significance. They promote critical thinking, discussion, and analysis, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of the novel's complexities and its relevance to their own lives and experiences.