Esperanza Rising Lesson Plan

Now Versus Then

Kind of Activity:

Role Play

Objective:

To think about and compare the past and present circumstances comparisons in the narrative, focusing on Esperanza’s Christmas celebrations in her present-day California versus back at home in Mexico and Isabel’s present and past celebrations in California.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.B

Structure:

Get students excited about this activity by letting them know that they can get creative in their interpretations of the characters as they compare Esperanza’s nostalgia for past Christmases to her and Isabel’s expectations of the present one. Before they begin the role-playing activity, ask two student...